COAS Calls for Stronger Regional Security Cooperation to Tackle Emerging Threats

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper regional security cooperation and stronger defence partnerships among Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states to address emerging security threats across the subregion.

Shaibu made the call on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, when the Chief of Staff, ECOWAS Standby Force, Brigadier General Sheik Massaquoi, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The COAS said the increasingly complex and transnational nature of contemporary threats required countries in West Africa to strengthen collective security efforts rather than operate in isolation.

He identified terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other cross-border threats as challenges requiring coordinated regional responses.

Shaibu urged military leaders across the region to leverage their professional expertise, operational experience and shared understanding of the security environment to develop practical strategies for confronting emerging threats.

He also stressed the importance of military-to-military cooperation through regular dialogue, intelligence sharing, joint training and exercises, as well as the continuous review and harmonisation of military doctrines.

According to him, such measures would improve interoperability, operational readiness and the ability of regional forces to plan and respond collectively to security threats.

The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to Nigeria’s regional security obligations and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the ECOWAS security architecture.

He said a responsive regional security framework was essential to safeguarding peace, protecting populations and creating the stability needed for sustainable development across West Africa.

Earlier, Massaquoi commended the Nigerian Army for its warm reception and acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, regional security and defence cooperation.

He called for the transformation of the ECOWAS Standby Force into a more proactive, interoperable and responsive regional security capability.

Massaquoi identified updated military doctrines, enhanced joint training and exercises, and stronger defence partnerships among member states as critical to achieving the objective.

He also sought Nigeria’s continued support in improving the operational effectiveness of the ECOWAS Standby Force and strengthening its capacity to fulfil its mandate of promoting collective security, peace and stability across the subregion.