By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria – Outgoing and incoming Chairmen of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) paid 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 the Chief of Defence Staff of Sierra Leone, said the two Chiefs had for the last two days been conducting formal handover formalities of the ECOWAS CCDS leadership.
General Bangura expressed profound appreciation to the CDS Nigeria for his unwavering support to the ECOWAS CCDS and the sub-regional security architecture throughout his tenure.
He extolled Nigeria for its lead role in security and stability in the West African sub-region, recalling Nigeria’s historic and enduring support to Sierra Leone in particular, especially during the civil war and peace consolidation efforts, and to the region in general through peacekeeping, counter-terrorism cooperation and logistics support.
He appealed to the CDS Nigeria to extend the same goodwill and support to his successor in the interest of regional peace.
In his remarks, the incoming Chairman of the ECOWAS CCDS, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, who is the CDS of the Republic of Senegal, thanked the CDS Nigeria for the excellent reception and warm hospitality accorded them.
Admiral Wade highlighted the complex and evolving security challenges facing the region and the ECOWAS community, ranging from terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime and maritime insecurity.
He recognised Nigeria’s role as a regional leader and anchor State in West Africa and requested continued support, guidance and active participation of Nigeria to enable the Committee deliver on its mandate.
Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the two Chiefs for their kind views and warm words about Nigeria and its Armed Forces.
He described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity and shared purpose.
General Oluyede called for stronger brotherhood, cohesion and unity of purpose among all ECOWAS member states.
He stressed the need for member nations to put aside differences, political divergences and bilateral issues in order to jointly confront the common existential threats facing the sub-region.
According to him, security is indivisible and no nation can secure itself alone.
The CDS assured that Nigeria will continue to support all ECOWAS security initiatives given its commitment to regional peace, integration and development. He reassured the incoming Chairman of his full and wholehearted backing to ensure a successful tenure and to further strengthen the ECOWAS collective security mechanism.
