West African leaders have reiterated the call for a multilateral approach to tackling terrorism in the sub-region.

Speaking during the opening of the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday, President Maada Bio, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, urged member states to strengthen collective action, integrated intelligence systems, and coordinated operations as a standby force to counter-terrorism.

According to him, the session marked a defining moment for West Africa and a turning point for the future of not less than 400 million people in the sub-region since the establishment of the community 50 years ago.

Mr Bio said, “West Africa faces some complex and evolving threats in its history: Terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, and communal conflicts continue to destabilise communities and undermine development. The situation in the Sahel remains particularly grave.

“Instability in one nation is instability for all. No border can insulate us from violence or fragmentation. The courage of our defence and security forces deserves our utmost admiration. Yet, terrorist networks continue to exploit fragility and attempt to expand their influence.

“Our response must, therefore, be united and uncompromising. Security is not only a military obligation but also a human imperative, essential for protecting families, livelihoods, and the dignity of our citizens. We must strengthen collective action, integrated intelligence systems, coordinated border operations, and the operationalisation of ECOWAS as a standby force for counter-terrorism.”

He commended West African ministers of finance and defence for the modalities to ensure sustainable financing and to raise a 1,650-personnel counter-terrorism brigade by the end of 2026, as well as for dismantling extremism through paired security with governance, education, job creation, and community resilience.

He decried instability in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, saying such were reminders that democracy requires constant vigilance and principled action to prevent unconstitutional change of government and subvert constitutional order.

He identified the single currency and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme as strategic goals that will strengthen integration among the member states. He said beginning January 1, 2026,  the sub-region would implement a landmark measure to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa.

He added that in furtherance of the measure, member states will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent.

President Bola Tinubu stressed the need for member countries to deepen ties with one another, as a  means of guarding against unconstitutional change of government.

Mr Tinubu said, “Terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organised crimes, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration recognise no borders.

“No single member state, regardless of size or fame, can achieve enduring stability in isolation. Our security, prosperity, and resilience are indivisible. We must sit at the same table, speak with one voice, and act with shared resolve.

“Nigeria is here to reassure this authority of her proven fidelity to the ideals of our community and her unwavering commitment to collective action in defence of our common future.”

(NAN)