Oluyede Pledges Nigeria’s Continued Support for ECOWAS Regional Security
Oluyede Pledges Nigeria’s Continued Support for ECOWAS Regional Security
Oluyede Pledges Nigeria’s Continued Support for ECOWAS Regional Security
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS security initiatives and strengthening regional cooperation to address emerging threats across West Africa.
Oluyede gave the assurance on October 13, 2026, when the outgoing and incoming Chairmen of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The outgoing Chairman, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff of Sierra Leone, said the two military leaders had spent the preceding two days conducting formal handover procedures for the committee’s leadership.
Bangura expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent support for the ECOWAS CCDS and the sub-region’s security architecture throughout his tenure. He also commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, recalling its longstanding support for Sierra Leone, particularly during the civil war and subsequent peace-consolidation efforts.
He urged Nigeria to extend the same cooperation to his successor to sustain progress towards regional peace and security.
The incoming Chairman, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief of Defence Staff of Senegal, thanked the CDS for the reception and hospitality. He highlighted the complex security challenges facing the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and maritime insecurity.
Wade acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in West Africa and sought its continued support, guidance and active participation to enable the committee to fulfil its mandate.
Responding, Oluyede described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity and shared commitment to regional security. He called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen unity, cohesion and cooperation, urging them to set aside political differences and bilateral disputes to confront common security threats.
The CDS stressed that security was indivisible and that no country could effectively protect itself in isolation.
He assured the incoming chairman of Nigeria’s full support throughout his tenure, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace, integration and development, as well as efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS collective security framework.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, on October 13, 2026.
Oluyede Pledges Nigeria’s Continued Support for ECOWAS Regional Security
