ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has called for decisive and unified action against terrorism, piracy and transnational crimes across West Africa, urging ECOWAS member states to adopt stronger, coordinated measures to tackle growing insecurity in the region.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, at the 56th Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Enikanolaiye stressed the need for ECOWAS to act “from a position of strength” in confronting terrorism, banditry, piracy and other forms of organised crime, highlighting Nigeria’s intensified military operations and coordinated security efforts.
He said Nigeria’s approach, including “all-out war and hot pursuit,” has led to notable successes such as the rescue of kidnapped victims and arrests of criminal elements, as well as improved security for economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
On regional funding, the minister emphasised the importance of prompt payment of the ECOWAS Community Levy by member states, describing it as the financial backbone necessary for the effective functioning of the organisation.
Addressing governance issues, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and disclosed that preparations are underway for the 2027 general elections.
“We assure of free and fair elections that will reflect the popular will of the Nigerian people,” he said, inviting ECOWAS and international observers to monitor the process.
The minister also condemned what he described as “Afrophobic” violence in South Africa, where foreign African nationals have reportedly been targeted, calling for a firm and collective ECOWAS position to be presented to the African Union.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle, urging African nations to uphold unity and mutual respect.
Enikanolaiye further advocated sustained dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, noting the importance of engaging the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) to address shared challenges of security, democracy and development.
He called for innovative and inclusive strategies to strengthen regional stability amid evolving global security dynamics.
The ECOWAS session brought together foreign ministers and senior officials to deliberate on pressing political, security and governance issues affecting the West African sub-region.
