The Defence Minister, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, has called for enhanced joint efforts to counter terrorism, manage cross-border crimes, and address hybrid threats in the West African sub-region.
He made this call on Wednesday at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja.
Badaru emphasised the need for transparency in safeguarding nations and promoting sustainable development.
He noted that the security landscape of West Africa is marked by complex challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, urged the armed forces to develop new strategies and coordinate regional security to address emerging threats.
The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, highlighted the need to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the region.