Odita Sunday 
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Seek Sustained Nigerian Support for Regional Security
By Odita Sunday
The outgoing and incoming Chairmen of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff have sought sustained Nigerian support for regional security initiatives amid growing threats of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and maritime insecurity in West Africa.
The two military chiefs made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The outgoing chairman, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, who is Sierra Leone’s Chief of Defence Staff, expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its continued support for the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff and the sub-region’s security architecture during his tenure.
Bangura said the two chiefs had spent the preceding two days conducting formal handover activities for the committee’s leadership.
He commended Nigeria’s contributions to peace and stability in West Africa, recalling its historical support for Sierra Leone during the civil war and subsequent peace consolidation efforts.
He also acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions to regional peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism cooperation and logistics support.
The outgoing chairman urged Nigeria to extend the same support to his successor to strengthen regional cooperation and sustain efforts towards lasting peace.
In his remarks, the incoming chairman, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, who is Senegal’s Chief of Defence Staff, thanked the Nigerian CDS for the reception and hospitality accorded the delegation.
Wade highlighted the evolving security challenges confronting ECOWAS member states, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and maritime insecurity.
He described Nigeria as a key regional security player and called for its continued support, guidance and active participation to enable the committee to effectively discharge its mandate.
Responding, General Oluyede thanked the visiting military chiefs for their commendation of Nigeria and the Armed Forces, describing the visit as a demonstration of solidarity and shared commitment to regional security.
The CDS called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen cooperation, unity and cohesion, urging them to set aside political differences and bilateral disagreements to confront common security threats.
He stressed that security challenges in the sub-region required collective action, noting that no country could effectively guarantee its security in isolation.
Oluyede assured the incoming chairman of Nigeria’s continued support for ECOWAS security initiatives, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace, integration and development.
He also pledged Nigeria’s full support for Wade’s tenure, expressing confidence that stronger cooperation among member states would reinforce the sub-region’s collective security framework.
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