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Security: ECOWAS Deliberates on Training Policy for Standby Force
Security: ECOWAS Deliberates on Training Policy for Standby Force
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has began the final move to put a standby force in place to combat insecurity in West Africa with the commencement of deliberations on the training policy to be adopted for the force.
At the meeting in Abuja were security experts and technocrats from 12 ECOWAS member states.
The ECOWAS standby force which was activated to address the rising insecurity in the sub-region is yet to be fully active, though it has already established a depot for deployment of soldiers for peace support operations.
The regional force, which is expected to comprise 5,000 troops, is part of a broader regional security strategy to also curb terrorism and cross-border crimes.
Speaking at the opening of the government experts’ validation meeting on the ECOWAS standby force training policy for peace support operations, the Acting Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr. Sani Adamu said the rapidly changing nature of threats and conflicts has necessitated dynamic and adaptive approach to training.
He said the training policy aims to emphasise not only the combat readiness but also conflict prevention, civilian protection, human rights observance, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
He added that: “Today, as we focus our attention on the development implementation of the ECOWAS Standby force training policy, we recognize the significance of this initiative in addressing the complex, dynamic challenges of Peacekeeping in West Africa.
“This policy is not only a guide but a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the skills, coordination, and readiness of our standby force, ensuring they are trained adequately to manage and resolve conflicts.”
He stressed that: “ As we refine the operational readiness and effectiveness of the EST, 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 peace and security.”
On the draft validation, he appealed to the experts to “actively participate, share your perspectives, and help refine this policy to ensure that it meets the high standards we envisioned. Our commitment today will pave the way for actionable strategies and tangible outcomes in the field.”
By effecting ECOWAS standby force, therefore, we continue to support not just immediate crisis response, but also long-term peace-building initiatives, creating the conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across our region.
“This is an investment in our future, a future where the next generation can continue to grow up in a world free from fear of conflict.”
In his remarks, Coordinator, Peace Support Operations, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Major General Umar Abubakar, said that the session was designed to bring about experts to discuss the training policy, which will set the stage for the activation of ECOWAS’ standby force by member states.
He said: “The main aim of this training policy was to ensure a consistent and effective training of the troops that will form up the ECOWAS’ standby force.
“This training comprises both education training, individual training and collective training and military exercise.”
He noted that at the end of the two-day draft session, the meeting is expected to validate the training policy draft for peace support operations in the region.
Abubakar said: “Essentially, at the end of this meeting, we are expected to validate the draft training policy, which, like I said earlier, will set the stage for the activation and operationalisation of the ECOWAS’ standby force.”
Representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency, Mrs. Yvonne Akpasom, stressed the importance of a well crafted training policy for ECOWAS peacekeeping personnel.
Akpasom said: “A well-crafted training policy is essential because it ensures that ECOWAS’ personnel are adequately prepared to respond effectively to the conflict, security, and challenges that affect the region. It provides a clear framework for training, peace, programme design, delivery, and continuous personnel development, which are all crucial for operational readiness and rapid deployment of the standby policy on the ground.”
She stressed that the ECOWAS’ Peace, Security and Governance Project funded by the German agency for development, GIZ primarily focuses on five key areas, including conflict prevention and crisis management, strengthening a secure, democratic, and human rights-based environment within the context of security sectors reform and governance, electoral support and democratic transition, women, youth, peace, and security, and strengthening ECOWAS’ training infrastructure.
End
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
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