The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has called for improved coordination among police forces across its 15 member states to strengthen regional security and enhance preparedness for peace support operations.
This appeal was made during the ECOWAS Police Focal Point Officers Meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja. The gathering brought together senior police officials and security experts from across the region to review progress, discuss challenges, and align strategies for building an effective and responsive ECOWAS Standby Force.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Moussa, the Acting Head of Peace Support Operations, Sani Adamu, emphasized the significance of the meeting in light of growing security threats across West Africa.
“This meeting is crucial,” Adamu said. “We are addressing issues ranging from internal crime and cyberattacks to cross-border threats. The objective is to ensure our police forces are fully prepared to support peace operations across the region.”
He explained that the Standby Force — a key element of ECOWAS’s regional security architecture — includes police, military, and civilian components and must be ready to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging crises.
Adamu also stressed that security goes beyond weapons and strategy. “True security is built on collaboration, shared knowledge, and coordinated action. We must pool our resources and strengths to foster a lasting environment of peace,” he said.
Highlighting successful inter-agency coordination in Sierra Leone, he noted the value of joint operations at borders and within member states.
“There’s no better approach than working in unison with sister security forces. That’s what makes a difference on the ground,” he added.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess the readiness of police units across the region, particularly in terms of training and deployment capabilities. Adamu emphasized the importance of refining a dynamic and adaptive regional policing strategy.
“I urge each of you to actively engage, share insights, and help shape a policing strategy that meets our collective goals and security needs,” he said.
Chairing the session was the Inspector General of Police, Sierra Leone, William Fayia Sellu, who was represented by Deputy Inspector General Sahr Senesi. Senesi underscored the urgency of building a standardized, deployable police roster as a tool for regional response.
“This workshop comes at a critical time for our region,” he said. “The threats we face require a united, professional, and timely response. The outcome of this meeting must be more than just a document—it should be a living tool that strengthens our ability to restore order and protect our people.”
Senesi also highlighted the importance of interoperability and structural readiness among police institutions, noting that these elements are key to the success of ECOWAS-led peace operations.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun—represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Aniagboso Chinedum—welcomed participants and emphasized regional solidarity.
“This meeting is not only a platform for strategic discussions but also an opportunity to reconnect and build relationships that will further enhance our security cooperation,” Chinedum said.
He added that building the capacity of individual officers and focal police units is essential for strengthening their role in peacekeeping efforts across the region.
