Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among all the police authorities in West Africa for efficient security and for dis-escalation of the current security threats in the region.

Speaking at a workshop for senior officials and representatives from across ECOWAS member states to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies in preparing regional police forces for peace support operations under the ECOWAS Standby Force, the Acting Head of Peace Support Operations, Sani Adamu, emphasised the critical objectives of the meeting, insisting that there is need for collaboration and coordinated action by police authorities in the region for security to fully return to the area.

Adamu noted that the gathering was part of a broader initiative to prepare ECOWAS’s multidimensional Standby Force, comprising police, military, and civilian components, to respond swiftly to crises whenever it rears its head.

He said: “It has to do with the police focal point meeting for member states in the region. And there are a few challenges we are looking at.

“Looking at, of course, attacks in the respective countries, in terms of crime issues, in terms of responding to cyber attacks, and in terms of even activities that have to do with regional security. So that is why this meeting is very important.”

Adamu stated that the security situation in West Africa requires a dynamic, collaborative approach, disclosing that the meeting “has to do with the police focal point meeting for member states in the region. And there are a few challenges we are looking at.

“Looking at, of course, attacks in the respective countries, in terms of crime issues, in terms of responding to cyber attacks, and in terms of even activities that have to do with regional security. So that is why this meeting is very important.”

He noted that the security situation in West Africa requires a dynamic, collaborative approach, insisting that: “We must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy, but it is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace.”

He also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, especially at borders, citing successful coordination in Sierra Leone.

He said: “There is no better situation than working together with other players in the security sector. For example, if you take the instance of Sierra Leone, we work together with all the sister forces to ensure that we fight crimes at the border and even in the country.”

He also revealed that the meeting was to assess updates from police focal points across the member states, especially regarding the training of individual officers and deployment readiness of formed police units for future peace support operations.

He noted that: “An effective ECOWAS Standby Force supports not only immediate crisis response, but also long-term peace-building initiatives.

“It is an important investment to secure our future and the future of our children who can now grow in a world free from fear of conflict.”

He called on member states to contribute actively aimed at bringing to live a robust and adaptive regional policing strategy.

He said: “As we gather feedback, as well as insights from all of you, I urge that each of you actively participate, share your perspectives, and also help refine the regional policing strategy to ensure that it meets the highest standards.”

The event was chaired by the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Sellu, who emphasized the urgency of building an operationally ready and standardised police roster for deployment across the region.

Sellu, who was represented by his Deputy Sahr Senesi, said: “This workshop comes at a critical time in our collective regional security journey. The threats confronting West Africa demand unified, proactive, and professional responses.”

He added that the goal is to ensure the roster becomes a reliable tool, stating that:
“The outcome of this important workshop must be more than a document. It should be a living tool capable of enhancing our collective ability to respond to crises, restore order and uphold the dignity of our people.”

He also emphasised the need for structural readiness and interoperability across national police institutions, stating, “This roster initiative will not only improve our capacity to contribute to ECOWAS-led Peace Support Operations but also promote interoperability, professionalism and regional solidarity.”

On his part, the Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by ACP Aniagboso Chinedum, welcomed participants with a message emphasising regional solidarity.

He described the event as a platform to build both strategic and personal bonds.
“I had looked forward to this meeting not just to discuss its agenda but to also establish contact with old and perhaps new members of the focal point family as we collectively continue to chart the course for better security integration and stability across our various countries/“

He also highlighted the importance of developing the capacities of focal police units and individual officers, stating the need to strengthen their roles in peace support operations.

Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa

CSOs Slam Planned Rivers LG Polls as Illegal, Demand Immediate Halt and Restoration of Elected Governor

By:Michael Mike

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has strongly condemned the planned local government elections in Rivers State, describing the move by the state’s Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as unconstitutional, illegitimate, and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

At a joint press conference held in Abuja, The Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space (ACCESS) and Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and halt the scheduled August 30, 2025, elections.

The coalition’s spokesperson, Engr. Kenneth Eze, who also serves as the Executive Director of Speak Out Africa Initiative, described the proposed polls as “a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic framework and a clear violation of both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.”

“This is a joke taken too far. The imposition of a Sole Administrator in place of an elected governor is not just illegal, it is void ab initio. Now, an illegal administrator wants to conduct an election? That is a rape on our democracy,” Eze stated.

According to the coalition, the RSIEC’s announcement to conduct the LG polls violates Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires that local government elections be held not earlier than 90 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the previous office holders. The 21-day notice given by RSIEC—from July 28 to August 30—falls far short of this legal threshold.

The group cited the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling that nullified the October 2024 local government elections in Rivers for similar procedural violations, including inadequate notice and failure to update the voters’ register. They warned that RSIEC appears to be on the same unconstitutional path again.

“Any election conducted by a government established on shaky legal grounds is dead on arrival. It will not withstand legal scrutiny, it will waste taxpayers’ money, destabilize the state further, and deepen public mistrust in democratic institutions,” Eze warned.

The coalition further criticised the federal government’s silence four months after declaring a controversial state of emergency in the state, which led to the removal of the elected governor and the appointment of a Sole Administrator—an act they claim lacks constitutional basis.

ACCESS and SOAI urged President Tinubu to immediately lift the state of emergency and reinstate the democratically elected governor to restore constitutional order and rebuild trust in governance.

“Democracy must be protected, not trampled. Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution is clear: No part of the Federation shall be governed except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution,” the group said.

They concluded by demanding the immediate suspension of preparations for the August 30 elections, calling on INEC, the courts, and all relevant stakeholders to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and ensure Rivers State returns to constitutional governance.

CSOs Slam Planned Rivers LG Polls as Illegal, Demand Immediate Halt and Restoration of Elected Governor

FRSC joins Gombe’s fight against climate change

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe State Command, has lauded the state government for its proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change through a massive tree planting campaign.

Mr Samson Kaura, Sector Commander of the FRSC in Gombe, gave the commendation on Wednesday during a tree planting exercise at the FRSC state headquarters in Lafiyawo community, Akko Local Government Area.

Kaura lauded the Gombe State Government’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability through strategic initiatives and partnerships aimed at restoring the environment, stressing that such efforts required support from all stakeholders.

He noted that the tree planting exercise, themed “Beyond the Route”, aligned with global efforts to combat climate change and signals the Corps’ commitment to environmental causes.

“Environmental sustainability is not the government’s responsibility alone.

“It is a collective task. Since climate change affects everyone, the fight against it must be inclusive. This is why we are fully supporting the initiative,” Kaura said.

He highlighted tree planting as a powerful tool for reclaiming degraded land and reversing the adverse effects of climate change.

“Though we are usually on the road, today’s exercise is beyond the route.

“We are planting trees within and around the FRSC Command with support from Gombe Goes Green (3G) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project,” he added.

Kaura further commended the state government, under the leadership of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, for its consistent commitment to greening the state, constructing quality roads, and planting trees along key routes.

“This effort benefits nature, humanity, and the environment. The FRSC is proud to support such a worthy cause,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Abubakar Buba-Atare, the Mai Tula of Tula Chiefdom and Chairman of the Gombe State Taskforce on 3G Implementation and Monitoring, emphasised the Yahaya-led administration’s strong environmental commitment.

According to him, the visit to the FRSC Command was part of the state’s ongoing green revolution, which aims to promote sustainability, combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity.

Buba-Atare stressed the importance of collaboration between the FRSC and the taskforce in achieving a holistic and resilient approach to environmental restoration.

He warned residents against indiscriminate tree felling, especially for charcoal production, highlighting the critical role trees play in human survival and environmental health.

“We have launched a campaign against tree felling for energy purposes. We urge residents to support us by reporting such practices in their communities,” he said.

The traditional ruler revealed that the state’s Forestry Laws were currently under review as part of efforts to curb deforestation and improve forest management.

“We are optimistic that by the end of this year or early 2026, the revised law will be enacted.

“When that happens, anyone cutting down a tree will regret it and wish they had planted more instead,” he stated,

FRSC joins Gombe’s fight against climate change