The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the rising wave of banditry, kidnappings and abductions of schoolchildren in Northern Nigeria, while endorsing a revised roadmap for the activation of a regional counter-terrorism force expected to attain full operational capability by July 2027.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, regional leaders expressed concern over worsening insecurity across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, warning that terrorism, banditry and transnational crimes continue to threaten peace, stability and development in the region.
The Authority specifically condemned the increasing cases of school abductions and kidnappings in Northern Nigeria and expressed solidarity with the country in its efforts to combat the menace.
“The Authority strongly condemns the increasing spate of banditry, kidnappings and abductions of school children, particularly in Northern Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
ECOWAS also commended President Bola Tinubu for measures taken to secure the release of victims and strengthen the fight against insecurity.
The regional bloc’s endorsement comes amid sustained military operations by Nigerian security forces against terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal elements operating across parts of the North-East and North-West.
As part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across West Africa, ECOWAS leaders approved a revised implementation plan for the establishment of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Brigade, a regional force designed to support member states in confronting terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the communiqué, the force is expected to achieve full operational capability by July 2027.
“The Authority endorses the revised roadmap for the activation of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Brigade and calls on member states to take the necessary measures to ensure its full operationalisation by July 2027.”
The leaders urged member states to fulfil their financial obligations to the bloc by clearing outstanding Community Levy arrears, noting that adequate funding would be critical to the successful deployment and operation of the regional security force.
“Member States are urged to clear outstanding Community Levy arrears to facilitate the effective financing of regional security initiatives, including the Counter-Terrorism Brigade.”
The summit noted that insecurity in the region has been exacerbated by terrorist attacks, political instability, displacement of populations and humanitarian crises, particularly in countries bordering the Sahel.
ECOWAS said the planned counter-terrorism brigade would enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen cross-border security cooperation and improve the region’s collective response to emerging security threats.
The Authority also raised concerns over the growing humanitarian impact of conflicts and terrorism, including the displacement of communities, food insecurity and climate-related challenges.
It directed the ECOWAS Commission to intensify resource mobilisation efforts and strengthen coordination of humanitarian interventions across affected member states.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and stability across the region, stressing that collective action remained essential to defeating terrorism and safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
The resolutions underscore ECOWAS’ renewed focus on security cooperation as member states grapple with persistent threats from terrorist groups and organised criminal networks across West Africa.
