Over the years, our region has faced evolving security challenges, from terrorism and insurgency to maritime insecurity and transnational crime.
FG Seeks Military Collaboration– Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense, has made a demand for more military cooperation, the sharing of intelligence, and capacity building among the nations that constitute the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to protect the region and its people.
Matawalle made this statement on Wednesday during the gala night for the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which took place in Abuja.
He conveyed the gratitude of the Nigerian government to the ECOWAS military commanders for their dedication to a common goal of regional harmony, cooperation, and progress.
He said, “Over the years, our region has faced evolving security challenges, from terrorism and insurgency to maritime insecurity and transnational crime.
“Yet, through our collective resolve and cooperation, we have made significant strides in tackling those threats.
“Your effort is instrumental to our dedication to strengthening military collaboration, intelligence sharing and capacity building to safeguard our nation and people.
“Furthermore, no single nation can address these challenges alone. And tonight’s gathering is a testament to enduring spirit of partnership that bind us together.
“Let us renew our determination to uphold the values of professionalism, resilience, and unity in our collective defence effort. Together, we shall continue to build a safer and more prosperous West Africa.”
Gen. Christopher Musa, the CDS, said the meeting was a milestone in ECOWAS regional security and cooperation efforts.
As a means of strengthening the bonds between the member states of the ECOWAS Community, Musa urged the defense chiefs of the member states to take stock of their common hopes and dreams.