ECOWAS Takes Bold Security Step, Announces Joint Force Against Terrorism

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to establish a joint counter-terrorism force as part of a renewed and more coordinated approach to tackling the growing threat of violent extremism across the sub-region.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, the disclosure was made by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held on Sunday at the State House in Abuja.

President Bio raised concerns over the increasing activities of terrorist groups that take advantage of porous borders to launch cross-border attacks, posing serious risks to peace and stability within member states. He noted that the proposed joint force would reinforce the region’s collective security framework and improve coordinated responses among ECOWAS countries.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening border cooperation, promoting deeper intelligence sharing, and enabling more coordinated military operations to counter terrorism effectively. The move, he said, reflects a firm resolve by regional leaders to intensify both political and military efforts to protect citizens and restore stability across West Africa.

In addition to security matters, President Bio also announced a major step toward deepening regional economic integration. He disclosed the appointment of President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council.

The newly established Council is expected to provide a structured platform for engagement between the public and private sectors, strengthen private-sector involvement in ECOWAS integration efforts, and stimulate cross-border investments. It will also mobilise business leaders to support the bloc’s development goals, with a focus on boosting trade, industrialisation, and economic resilience throughout the region.