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ECOWAS defence chiefs meet on $2.6b budget for activation of regional standby force
ECOWAS defence chiefs meet on $2.6b budget for activation of regional standby force
By: Michael Mike
The Defence chiefs of countries in Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) on Thursday, converged in Abuja to deliberate on the proposed $2.607 billion budget for the activation of the subregion standby force.
The standby force is meant to contain terrorism and unconstitutional change of government with the region planning to raise a 5,000 standby force.
The region, alternatively proposed a budget of $481,459, 335 for 1,650 standby force, with the meeting organised to decide which plan to be implemented.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar disclosed this at the opening of the meeting of the region’s Minister of Defence and Finance on modalities for financing and equipping the deployment of ECOWAS counter-terrorism force.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alliou Touray said the move has become necessary as the region has become the epicentre of terrorism.
Speaking on the meeting, Nigeria’s Defence Minister said the gathering is driven by the urgent need to consider the financing
options in the memorandum to be presented by the ECOWAS Commission for deploying the proposed regional force.
He lamented that the region is threatened by insecurity and grave humanitarian challenges.
The Minister said the standby force arrangement has the backing of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and
Government.
He said: “Our gathering here today is driven by the urgent need to consider the financing
options in the memorandum to be presented by the ECOWAS Commission for deploying the proposed regional force.
“The financial implications of these proposals are significant.
“The overall estimated cost is $2,606,695,640 per year for a brigade of
5,000 men.The alternative proposal is for a brigade of 1,650 men, with an estimated annual cost of $481,459,335.These figures
underscore the gravity of the task before us and the necessity of a robust and sustainable resource mobilization strategy.
“lt is therefore imperative that we critically review the options considering.”
The Minister while explaining the current security situation in the region, said: “As you are all aware, our region is threatened by insecurity and grave humanitarian challenges. Terrorism and violent extremism have continued to threaten our collective existence.The cross-border free movement and activities of terrorist groups in the sub-region is deepening our internal security challenges.
“To address these challenges,the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and
Government at its 62nd Ordinary Session held in Abuja, on 4th December 2022 instructed the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to urgently study and propose the options, modalities, financial and technical means for the urgent operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, including a special kinetic operations to combat terrorism.
“As part of the implementation of these decisions,the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff met twice to deliberate and
come up with recommendations,which was subsequently presented to the 50th meeting of the Mediation and Security Council,at the
Ministerial level on 5h July 2023 in Bissau.
“I am delighted to welcome you all to Abuja for this crucial meeting of the Ministers of Finance and Defence, to deliberate on the modalities for financing and equipping the deployment of the ECOWAS counter-terrorism force.
On his part, Touray decried the damages caused to the region by terrorism, which include the large scale of Internally Displaced Persons, loss of territories and others.
He noted that: “A huge humanitarian crisis with millions of internally displaced persons and refugees.
“You will all recall that some member states have lost control of important parts of their territories to terrorist groups.
“According to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, the epicentre of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East and North Africa into the sub-Saharan African region largely in the Sahel region.
“ The Sahel is the most affected region within the Sahara, accounting for over half of all deaths from terrorism and 26% of attacks in 2023.
“ Some of our member states have become countries with the highest impact from terrorism for the first time, with fatalities increasing by 68%. with fatalities increasing by six.
“ A quarter of all deaths from terrorist attacks occurring globally were in Burkina Faso, while Mali is ranked number three most impacted country.
“Taking due consideration of the transborder nature of the menace and the need to address it collectively and in line with the directive by the Authority on Peace and Security Matters, I would like to inform this August body that the invitation to this meeting was extended to all the 15 ECOWAS member states.
“All 15 ECOWAS member states have been invited to take part in this important meeting. And the reason is certainly the authorization and the approval given to the Commission’s proposal to this effect sometime in the future.
“ In the past, it was believed that we cannot fight terrorism alone or while others are not participating.
“That is why the Commission proposed to the Authority, through of course the Council of Ministers, that although countries might be under suspension, they should be allowed to take part in meetings relating to security as well as in sectoral matters.
“That is why we have invited all 15 member states to attend this important and crucial meeting. Honourable Ministers, we have an urgent task to mobilize the financial resources to fund our Regional Action Plan against terrorism.
“Therefore, in preparing for this very important meeting, The Commission has made available two documents to facilitate your deliberations.
“The first document is the report of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff, containing their proposal towards the mobilization of the kinetic force to fight terrorism, which includes the logistics, personnel, and financial requirements of raising the force.
“ As for the agenda of this meeting, their proposal will be presented to you by the Chair of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff.
“The Commission will present the second document, which is a memorandum proposing modalities for the mobilization of internal, financial, human, and material resources on a mandatory basis to support the deployment, and the development of the regional counterterrorism force as defined by the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff.
“Honourable Ministers, more than ever, we are at a pivotal moment in the history of our community to address insecurity and establish a more secure environment for economic growth and development of our community.”
ECOWAS defence chiefs meet on $2.6b budget for activation of regional standby force
News
Chief of Army Staff visits Etsu Nupe, reiterated NA’s operational readiness and seeks guidance on security challenges
Chief of Army Staff visits Etsu Nupe, reiterated NA’s operational readiness and seeks guidance on security challenges
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday visited the Etsu of Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in Bide town, expressing appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support to the Nigerian Army and seeking guidance on addressing prevailing security challenges across the country.
In his remarks, Lt. Gen. Shaibu draw attention to the ongoing assessment of army deployments in member states, noting the operational gaps and opportunities to infuse additional troops where necessary.
He emphasized the importance of human intelligence in aiding the work of various security commissions and agencies, stressing that intelligence from local communities remains vital for effective operations.
“We are here not only to pay a courtesy visit but also to seek your constant advice on tackling security challenges, particularly in collaboration with the police,” the COAS said. “Your experience from past operations in Liberia, and Multi National Joint forces uniquely positions you to guide the current leadership of the army on security policies and strategies, both in Niger State and nationwide.”
Lt. Gen. Shaibu also acknowledged the role of the Etsu of Nupe’s family in supporting military personnel operating in the area, describing their involvement as critical to navigating the security terrain effectively.
He assured the traditional ruler of the army’s commitment to continuous engagement with community leaders to strengthen operational success.
The COAS also assured on leveraging of technology to counter security challenges bedeviling the country.
Responding, the Etsu of Nupe commended the Nigerian Army for its dedication and service. “We pray that Allah, the Most Gracious, will continue to protect and guide you, granting strength, wisdom, and courage to overcome all challenges,” HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar said.
“The history of the Nigerian Army is rich with experience, and we are confident that under your leadership, the army will continue to excel in all operations, both domestically and internationally.”
He further emphasized the importance of logistics, manpower, training, and technological investments in maintaining operational readiness.
The monarch assured continuous prayers and support for the army and its personnel, noting that the synergy between traditional institutions and security forces is essential for national stability.
The Etsu of Nupe also acknowledged the growth and development of military formations in the region, from battalions to brigades and special forces units, and expressed hope that further expansion would continue to enhance security operations.
Chief of Army Staff visits Etsu Nupe, reiterated NA’s operational readiness and seeks guidance on security challenges
News
Zulum Inaugurates New GDSS Wandali Ending 30 Years on Temporary Site…Inspects Hospitals, Schools
Zulum Inaugurates New GDSS Wandali Ending 30 Years on Temporary Site
…Inspects Hospitals, Schools
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated the permanent site of Government Day Secondary School Wandali in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area. The school had been operating from a temporary site for thirty years.
The new 20-classroom school includes a computer laboratory fully equipped with digital tools.
This is the second school Governor Zulum has commissioned on Tuesday as part of a working visit to southern Borno.
The Governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to revamping the education sector through substantial investment in infrastructure, manpower development, and digital and vocational skills.
“The construction of the permanent site of Government Day Secondary School Wandali fulfils our promise to provide access to education for communities across the state,” Zulum remarked.
He added: “Let me express my administration’s resolve to revamp the education sector in the state. I want to also assure you that all necessary facilities will be provided in the school to enable it to function optimally.”
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, noted that the school had been operating from temporary accommodation since 1996.
He stated that the school comprises 20 classrooms, a computer laboratory, administrative blocks, and fully equipped laboratories to enable students to learn digital and other skills.
While in Kwaya Kusar, the Governor also inspected General Hospital Kwaya Kusar, where he promised to rehabilitate the facility and restore its electricity supply.
He commended the Medical Officer, an indigene of Rivers State, who has served at the hospital for the past four years, praising his dedication and service.
Earlier, before departing Bayo, Governor Zulum inspected the recently inaugurated Bilingual Boarding School in Briyel, which currently has 430 orphaned pupils enrolled.
He also inspected General Hospital Briyel and assured staff that the challenge of power supply would be addressed.
The Governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Hon. Bukar Talba; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira; members of the State Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders from the area.
Zulum Inaugurates New GDSS Wandali Ending 30 Years on Temporary Site
…Inspects Hospitals, Schools
Two killed, two injured as bandits attack Katsina communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits have attacked Gidan Alhaji Barau and Gidan Hazo villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, leaving two persons dead and two others injured.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred in the early hours of Jan. 6 at about 1:10 a.m.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Malumfashi received a distress call that armed bandits had invaded the two communities.
“The DPO swiftly mobilised a joint security team to the area, blocked exit routes and engaged the hoodlums in an exchange of gunfire,” the source said.
After the encounter, four victims were discovered to have sustained gunshot injuries.
They were identified as Lawal Tanimu, 30; Umaima Sale, 25; Sani Umar, 30; and Harisu Salisu, 29, all residents of Gidan Alhaji Barau village.
The victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical attention.
However, police said two of the victims were certified dead by a medical doctor on arrival, while the remaining two were admitted and were receiving treatment.
The police said efforts were being sustained to track down and arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
They reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue to support security agencies with timely information.
Two killed, two injured as bandits attack Katsina communities
Chief of Army Staff visits Etsu Nupe, reiterated NA’s operational readiness and seeks guidance on security challenges
Zulum Inaugurates New GDSS Wandali Ending 30 Years on Temporary Site…Inspects Hospitals, Schools
Two killed, two injured as bandits attack Katsina communities
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