Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has implored ECOWAS defence ministers to unite and work together with determination to achieve a safer and more secure region.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Defence and Finance Ministers’ meeting in Abuja, Badaru emphasized the need for collective commitment to address terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian challenges threatening the region’s unity and stability.
A statement issued by Director of information in the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike noted the meeting aimed to provide actionable recommendations for financing and equipping the ECOWAS counter-terrorism forces with a focus on crafting a sustainable financing model that addresses immediate security threats and lays the foundation for long-term stability and resilience.
The minister expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the continued security challenges in the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian crises. He noted that several attempts have been made to address these challenges, including the instruction by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force.
He charged his colleagues to fine-tune the recommendations and develop a robust solution to the region’s security problems. “We must work together with determination and unity of purpose to achieve a safer and more secure ECOWAS region,” he said.