Idris Isah.
Minister of Defense, H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has tasked the Economic Community of west African States (ECOWAS) membership, to rekindle collaboration and resharpen strategies to stamping out emerging threats of organized crime, other criminalities in ECOWAS Sub-region.
The Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar made the emphatic remark during the opening session of the just concluded 43rd Ordinary meeting of Chiefs of Defense Staff in Abuja.
In a Press Statement made available to Nigeria Daily Info, the Minister highlighted the complexities dotting the current security landscape within the Sub-region, and affirmed the indispensability of a more stronger synergy adding, “the imperative for us in the sub – region is to strengthen our bond and collective resolve which is greater now than ever.”
Badaru said, “We must recognize that we are collectively as strong as our weakest link. It is essential that we close rank against these threats and refocus our strategy to deny terror and insecurity a breading ground.”
The Minister who underscored the significance of discussions planned for the meeting, focused on issues of ECOWAS Standby Force; Peace Support Operations, and Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, expressed hope that the brainstorming would be characterized by high level collaboration, innovation, and a shared determination to enforce sustainable strategies that can deflate the emerging insecurity in the sub – region.
He however announced the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and assured that, the development is a pivotal step in their collective fight against terrorism and insurgency and reinforcing the commitment of member states to guarantee safety and security of the citizens.
The Minister who expressed gratitude to the Chiefs of Defense Staff for their sacrifice, unwavering dedication and professionalism in safeguarding the well- being of the people of West Africa, urged the participants to see unity as their focal point, while recognizing their collective potential and efforts to shape a more secured and prosperous. future for the West African Sub-region.
