The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its regional security with a move to establish a standby force.

This development was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa during the end of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

The three-day meeting, attended by the Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member states, high-ranking military officials, ambassadors, and representatives from member states, focused on key issues such as the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the standby force.

Participants also deliberated on the operationalization of the logistic deportment in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations.

“The establishment of the standby force is a testament to the commitment of ECOWAS member states to collective security and stability in the region.

“The force is expected to enhance the region’s capacity to confront and support contemporary and futuristic security challenges” the CDS said.

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In his closing remarks, the chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the importance of collective effort and shared commitment to achieving regional security.

General Musa applauded the active participation of members and pledged to remain committed to the activation of the standby force and security support mission in Sierra Leone.

“We have also shared laudable ideas with passion and objectively come up with creative solutions that will redefine the security landscape of West Africa.

“I salute and applaud your active participation towards enhancing the overall security situation of the region and the entire continent.

“Some of our key discussions during this conference bothered the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

“Furthermore, we deliberated on issues about the operationalization of our Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS Peace Support Operations amongst others,” he averred.

General Musa also highlighted the need for continued collaboration among member states, reducing progress, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximize impact and achieve shared objectives.

He noted that the establishment of the standby force, will address emerging threats and ensure economic growth and development in the region.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of regional cooperation and collaboration.