By Bavoriat Clara
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lauded Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for successfully hosting the maiden edition of the Meeting of African Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja. The regional bloc described the summit as a landmark engagement convened at a critical time when the continent is confronted with a wave of complex and existential security threats.
In a statement released during the summit, ECOWAS underscored the importance of the Abuja gathering, noting that it provided African military leaders with a unique platform to deepen dialogue, foster strategic defence cooperation, and chart practical solutions to issues such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational organized crime.
The Commission also used the occasion to issue a clarification regarding its earlier announcement on the establishment of a proposed regional counterinsurgency force. According to ECOWAS, a typographical error in its opening communication had erroneously quoted the troop strength at 260,000 personnel. The correct figure, it explained, is 5,000 troops, beginning with an initial deployment of 1,650 troops.
“The Commission regrets the error and wishes to request that the press reflect this correction to avoid further misconceptions about the force,” the statement read.
ECOWAS emphasized that the planned counterinsurgency force is part of a broader framework aimed at reinforcing continental stability, supporting peace enforcement missions, and ensuring that African nations can collectively address emerging security challenges without overreliance on external actors.
General Christopher Musa’s role in spearheading the inaugural Defence Chiefs’ summit was singled out for commendation. ECOWAS praised his leadership and diplomatic foresight, highlighting how Nigeria’s hosting of the historic meeting reinforced its reputation as a regional anchor in matters of peace and security.
Security analysts at the summit also noted that the forum could mark the beginning of a new era of defence cooperation across Africa, where regional solidarity and indigenous capacity take precedence in tackling threats that continue to undermine peace, stability, and development on the continent.
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