The outgoing and incoming leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) have called for sustained military and strategic support from Nigeria to bolster regional counter-terrorism efforts and address emerging security challenges across West Africa.
​The joint appeal was made during a high-level handover and working session held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
​The working session served as the formal transition of leadership between the outgoing CCDS Chairman, represented by senior military delegations including Sierra Leone’s representatives Col. ABS Mansary and Col. Momoh Tholler, and the incoming Chairman, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Senegal.
​Speaking during the ceremony, Vice Admiral Wade identified violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea as complex and evolving threats confronting ECOWAS member states.
He emphasized that countering these challenges requires enhanced military partnerships, real-time intelligence sharing, regular regional consultations, joint training exercises, and greater operational interoperability.
​”Nigeria stands as a key regional power and an anchor of security in West Africa,” Vice Admiral Wade noted during his address. “Its continued guidance, active participation, and logistical support remain essential for the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to fulfill its mandate effectively.”
​The outgoing leadership praised Nigeria’s historical role in stabilizing the sub-region through its contributions to peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism initiatives, and strategic logistical support. The outgoing delegation urged the incoming chairman to build upon existing defense frameworks while maintaining strong institutional alignment with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
​As part of the broader handover process organized by the ECOWAS Commission, the incoming leadership will participate in general institutional familiarization visits across strategic military governance facilities in Nigeria.
​Responding to the delegation, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olagoke Oluyede, expressed appreciation to the military leaders for their visit, characterizing it as a strong demonstration of solidarity and shared commitment to West African security.
​General Oluyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS security initiatives and strengthening collective defense mechanisms. He stressed that regional stability is inextricably linked to the economic prosperity and social development of all member nations.
​The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to fast-track actionable defense strategies aimed at creating a more responsive security architecture capable of promoting lasting peace across the sub-region.
