ECOWAS Unveils 260,000-Member Counter-Terrorism Force as Leaders Push for Stronger African Defence Cooperation

By: Zainab Bakare

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a landmark plan to deploy a 260,000-member rapid counter-terrorism force, signalling Africa’s growing resolve to take ownership of its security amid rising terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime.

Unveiled at the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, the initiative reflects a shift away from dependency on foreign interventions toward homegrown, African-led defence solutions.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the bloc is finalising a $2.5 billion annual budget to sustain the force, with Finance and Defence Ministers from member states meeting Friday to decide on funding.“The activation of this rapid deployment force has become a necessity given the asymmetric security dynamics in the region,” Musah stated, calling for bilateral, multilateral, and UN support under Resolution 2719 (2023) to cover 75% of peace operations.

The summit also highlighted a broader agenda: strengthening maritime security, intensifying action against organised crime, and resisting the continent’s drift into proxy wars and geopolitical rivalries.

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima set the tone for a continental security rethink,“None of these tragedies respect borders, and neither should our response. This is the moment to forge a new doctrine of continental defence, rooted in trust, shared intelligence, and coordinated strategy.”

He urged African states to invest in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology, warning that Africa must not remain “merely a consumer of technology” but become creators.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reinforced the urgency of Africa taking charge of its security future, “The threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare; they are digital, asymmetric and often invisible. The enemy is within.”He stressed the need for an African defence industrial base, honouring fallen soldiers whose sacrifices must inspire the creation of accountable institutions.

The Abuja summit, attended by defence chiefs, diplomats, and security experts from across Africa, underscored Nigeria’s leadership in regional stability and counter-terrorism.

In its closing remarks, ECOWAS commended Nigeria and General Musa for hosting the gathering, urging participants to deliver “concrete, practical, and innovative recommendations” to fortify Africa’s collective security framework.