The Chiefs of Defence Staff from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for the reintegration of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the regional alliance.
They said that the return of these nations is crucial for addressing the escalating insecurity and insurgency issues affecting the region.
General Christopher Musa, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, spoke on the necessity of a unified approach to combat regional threats.
He expressed the urgency of collaborative efforts, stating that the instability in these countries impacts the entire West African region.
During a visit to the National Coordinator of the Counter-terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, General Musa highlighted the rapid spread of insurgency and the need for comprehensive actions to counter it.
He noted the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to effectively address the security challenges.
Major General Laka echoed the call for regional cooperation, stressing that sharing experiences and collaborating with neighboring countries is vital in the fight against terrorism.
He emphasized the need for joint efforts and partnerships, including potential collaborations with centers in Abidjan, to enhance the region’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
The Counter-terrorism Centre, according to Laka, is equipped with advanced forensic facilities that will support terrorism investigations and contribute to broader security efforts in the region.