The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing regional security through improved cooperation among police forces across its 15 member states.
This renewed push was made at the ECOWAS Police Focal Point Officers’ Meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, August 6. The meeting brought together senior law enforcement officials to assess strategies for equipping and deploying the police component of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a key tool in peacekeeping and rapid crisis response.
Building a Responsive Regional Force
Representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Moussa, the Acting Head of Peace Support Operations, Sani Adamu, emphasized the need for a multidimensional and rapidly deployable police force to counter rising threats, including cross-border crime, cyber threats, and organized attacks.
“True security is not only about arms and strategy,” said Adamu. “It’s about leveraging our collective strengths to foster sustainable peace.”
Adamu cited Sierra Leone’s inter-agency model as a successful example of border collaboration and urged member states to follow suit in strengthening their internal and cross-border coordination efforts.
A Shared Vision for Regional Stability
Chairing the session was Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, represented by his Deputy, Sahr Senesi. He called for the establishment of a standardized and operational police deployment roster, which he described as a vital tool for maintaining order during emergencies.
“The threats confronting West Africa demand unified, proactive, and professional responses,” Senesi declared.
“This roster must promote interoperability, professionalism, and regional solidarity.”
Representing Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, ACP Aniagboso Chinedum, welcomed delegates and reinforced Nigeria’s dedication to regional peace-building efforts. He highlighted the importance of such gatherings in fostering stronger relationships and developing shared strategies.
“I had looked forward to this meeting not just for its agenda, but to reconnect with fellow officers as we chart a course for deeper integration,” Chinedum said.
Investing in Peace Through Training and Preparedness
The meeting also served as a review session for the progress made by member states in officer training and preparedness under the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations framework. Delegates agreed that a fully functional and trained Standby Force is key to both rapid crisis response and long-term peace-building in West Africa.
The session ended with a collective pledge to refine ECOWAS’s regional policing strategy in line with emerging security challenges and to build a safer, more stable West Africa.
