The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has called for enhanced coordination among police forces across its member states, as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security and respond effectively to rising threats in West Africa.
This appeal was made during the ECOWAS Police Focal Point Officers Meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, where senior officials and representatives from the 15 member states convened to review progress, share challenges, and discuss strategies for preparing regional police forces to contribute to peace support operations under the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Acting Head of Peace Support Operations, Sani Adamu, outlined the key objectives of the meeting.
He emphasized that the gathering forms part of a wider initiative to operationalize ECOWAS’s multidimensional Standby Force, comprising police, military, and civilian components, for rapid response to emerging crises.
Adamu stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling a range of regional security challenges, including rising crime rates, cyber threats, and cross-border violence.
According to him, “This meeting addresses crucial issues such as criminal activity, cyberattacks, and regional instability. Given the complexity of these threats, greater police coordination is essential,” he stated.
He concluded by noting that the security landscape in West Africa demands a dynamic and united approach among member states to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
