On Tuesday, the departing and incoming chairmen of the [ECOWAS](https://ecowas.int/) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff met with the [Chief of Defence Staff](https://www.mod.gov.ng/) General Olufemi Oluyede at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, seeking continued Nigerian assistance to reinforce security collaboration throughout West Africa.
The two senior military leaders, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura of Sierra Leone and Vice Admiral Oumar Wade of Senegal, spent two days finalising a formal handover of the committee’s leadership. Bangura praised Nigeria’s long‑standing contributions to regional peace, citing its support during Sierra Leone’s civil war and its ongoing involvement in peace‑building, counter‑terrorism and logistical operations. He stated, "Nigeria’s role is critical to the security of the sub‑region," and urged Oluyede to extend the same goodwill to his successor.
**What threats did the incoming chairman identify?**
Wade outlined the complex challenges confronting ECOWAS members, including terrorism, violent extremism, trans‑national organised crime and maritime insecurity. He described Nigeria as a "key regional power and an anchor of security in West Africa," emphasizing that sustained Nigerian guidance and participation are essential for the committee to fulfil its mandate.
**How did the Nigerian defence chief respond?**
Oluyede thanked both chiefs for their commendation of Nigeria’s armed forces, characterising the visit as a demonstration of solidarity and a shared commitment to regional peace. He called for greater unity, cooperation and mutual understanding among ECOWAS states, urging nations to set aside political differences and bilateral disputes to confront common security threats. Oluyede reiterated that security is indivisible, noting that no country can guarantee its own safety in isolation.
**What commitments were reaffirmed?**
Oluyede confirmed Nigeria’s ongoing dedication to ECOWAS security initiatives, pledging full support to Wade throughout his tenure as chairman. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration among member states would strengthen the collective security architecture of the sub‑region.