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ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, cautioning that a prolonged conflict could unleash severe economic and security repercussions far beyond the Middle East, with Africa among the hardest hit.
In a statement issued under the chairmanship of Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, the 12-member regional bloc aligned itself with the position earlier expressed by the African Union Commission, which has voiced deep unease over the intensifying military exchanges.
The warning comes at a time when global energy markets are already on edge. The Gulf region remains central to international oil and gas supplies, accounting for a significant share of global crude exports. For West African economies — many of which are net importers of refined petroleum products despite being crude producers — volatility in oil prices translates quickly into domestic inflation, currency pressures and rising transport and food costs.
ECOWAS noted that beyond energy, the Gulf serves as a strategic artery for global trade. Key maritime routes, including those connected to the Strait of Hormuz, facilitate the movement of energy supplies and commercial goods between Asia, Europe and Africa. Any disruption risks compounding supply chain fragilities that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
For food-import-dependent nations across West Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Many countries in the region rely heavily on imported wheat, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs sourced through global supply chains sensitive to geopolitical shocks. Previous international crises have demonstrated how quickly distant conflicts can drive up bread prices and deepen food insecurity in African cities.
In its statement, ECOWAS urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It stressed that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The bloc also called for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation. West African leaders have historically positioned the region as a strong advocate for multilateralism, often promoting negotiated settlements in conflicts both within and outside the continent.
Analysts observe that ECOWAS’ swift alignment with the African Union reflects a broader concern about the cumulative impact of global instability on African economies already grappling with debt burdens, currency depreciation and climate-related pressures. Rising energy prices could strain public finances, while shipping disruptions could intensify shortages of essential commodities.
The statement underscores a growing recognition among African policymakers that geopolitical flashpoints thousands of miles away can have immediate and tangible consequences at home. As tensions mount in the Gulf, ECOWAS has signalled that West Africa is watching closely — and urging diplomacy over escalation in the interest of global and regional stability.
ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
Troops destroy terrorist hideouts, arrest 9 suspected informants in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed suspected terrorist hideouts and arrested nine alleged informants during an offensive operation in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba state.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:45 a.m. on April 19 by troops of 114 Battalion (Rear) deployed at Andamin, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and local hunters.
During the operation, the troops stormed Jukun village where they destroyed abandoned structures believed to have been used as hideouts by terrorists.
The sources added that nine suspected terrorist informants were also arrested during the raid. The suspects were reportedly linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as “Kadogo,” alleged to have been terrorising communities around Mashingin Kirya, Komodoro Garau and parts of Plateau State.
The apprehended suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation and investigation.
Troops destroy terrorist hideouts, arrest 9 suspected informants in Taraba
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Edo, arrest five suspects, recover rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 195 Battalion have foiled a kidnap incident in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the rescue of victims, arrest of suspects and recovery of a rifle.
Security sources said the troops, deployed at Auchi, responded to a distress call at about 8:00 a.m. on April 16, following reports of a kidnapping at Iyuku in Jattu.
On arrival, the troops discovered that three kidnapped victims had escaped from their captors.
One of the victims reportedly overpowered and disarmed one of the kidnappers, seizing an AK-47 rifle loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Troops later combed the surrounding forest and apprehended five suspected kidnappers, while three mobile phones were also recovered during the operation.
The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
Military authorities said troops would sustain ongoing operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Edo, arrest five suspects, recover rifle
Again, another Monarch abducted in Kwara state by suspected bandits
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Again, bandits have abducted a monarch and two others in an early Saturday morning dare devil raid on the Palace of the Oba in Olayinka community.
Disclosing the sad incident, in a release, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Zubair condemned in strong terms the latest kidnapping incident which took place at Olayinka in Agunjin District of Ifelodun council area of Kwara State.
This latest abduction where the monarch of the community, Alhaji Saliman Aweda, and two other restaurants were abducted in the early morning raid that occurred at about 1:00 a.m. today, brings to the fore the helpless nature of the security architecture in the state and the inability of the federal agencies to handle things effectively.
Elder Zubair described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that the recurrence of such attacks including the recent attacks at Idofin Odo Ase where several people were kidnapped and schools were forced to shut down for four months has heightened fear and insecurity across Kwara South.
Zubair stated that this latest case strengthens the earlier appeal made to the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, for full-scale military operations in the area to complement the recent gallant efforts of captain Abiola and his team, whose operations in Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire and surrounding communities, and rescue of Idera victims, have shown commitment to tackling the menace, despite limited resources.
“We cannot continue to watch our traditional rulers and innocent citizens fall prey to kidnappers. The time for decisive, coordinated action by all security agencies is now,” Elder Zubair declared.
He urged the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the security of Ifelodun and the entire Kwara South axis as a matter of urgent priority before the situation deteriorates further.
Again, another Monarch abducted in Kwara state by suspected bandits
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Troops destroy terrorist hideouts, arrest 9 suspected informants in Taraba
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