The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to end terrorism and other transborder crimes in the subregion.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 43rd ordinary meeting of ECOWAS Committee Chiefs of Defence Staff
He said the economic growth of the region was dependent on stable peace.
The minister added that there was a need for members of ECOWAS to close ranks against all forms of threats against the region.
Meanwhile, on the 29th of January 2025, ECOWAS recognised the exit of three of its former members Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic upon the expiration of a one-year notice period.
Their departure from the bloc has fractured the region and is leaving the ECOWAS grouping with an uncertain future.
The three Sahelian countries have teamed up to form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
News Edited By Favour Owonibi