ECOWAS to raise 260,000 counter-terrorism brigades

By Omodele Adigun

…Plans 260,000-Strong Counter-Terrorism Brigade to Tackle Regional Insecurity

…Moves to activate 260,000-member rapid deployment counter-terrorism force

…$2.5 billion required to support logistics and frontline troops

…As African leaders urged to take ownership of continental security

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to activate a 260,000-member counter-terrorism brigade to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other security threats in the sub-region.

ECOWAS Commitment to Regional Security President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, speaking at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff summit in Abuja, revealed the initiative. Represented by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Touray said the force aims to strengthen coordination in counter-terrorism and maritime security.

He disclosed that $2.5 billion will be needed for logistics and operational support, and that ECOWAS ministers of finance and defense will meet to finalize funding modalities. Touray said,

“On the directive of the ECOWAS’ Heads of Government, the organization is in the process of activating a 260,000-strong rapid deployment counter-terrorism brigade and to provide logistics and financial support to frontline states facing terrorism.”

Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted Africa’s rising vulnerability to terrorism, cyber warfare, and climate-driven displacement. She said,

“Africa today is the epicenter of global terrorism deaths. Attacks in West Africa’s coastal states have surged by 250 percent in just two years.”

She warned that 14,000 schools were closed in the Sahel due to conflict and stressed the role of AI and cyberspace in modern threats.

Mohammed added, “Security cannot be pursued in isolation, it is inseparable from development, human rights, and climate resilience. Africa will take ownership of its security, harness technology for peace, and protect its people.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for a collective African defense strategy anchored on trust, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action. He said,

“From the deserts where insurgency festers, to the high seas where piracy prowls, from the silent corridors of cybercrime to the ruthless networks of transnational criminals, none of these tragedies respects borders… neither should our response.”

Tinubu proposed the establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum to ensure continuous strategic planning, operational coordination, and defense innovation across the continent. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and regional cooperation.

“Africa cannot remain merely a consumer of technology; we must be creators, innovators, and owners of the tools that secure our tomorrow,” Tinubu stated, calling for partnerships with the private sector to enhance defense capabilities.