We are Committed to regional defence cooperation. – Mattawale

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has reiterated that Nigeria is committed to regional cooperation.

Mattawale said this while attending the Gala night yesterday held in Abuja in honour of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS), on the margins of their 43rd Ordinary Meeting, as the Special Guest of Honour.

“On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I reaffirmed our commitment to regional defence cooperation, collective security, and the operationalization of ECOWAS standby mechanisms.

“The threats confronting our subregion—terrorism, insurgency, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, and transnational organized crime—require a cohesive, joint military response.

“No single Armed Force can address these challenges in isolation. It is imperative that we continue to strengthen interoperability, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning across our defence structures.

The Minister said that Nigeria remains fully committed to supporting regional frameworks that enhance force readiness, professionalism, and mission effectiveness across ECOWAS.

“We have the responsibility—and the capability—to project a unified defence posture in the interest of regional peace and stability.

“My commendation goes to General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS CCDS, for his leadership and service to our region,” he added.