ECOWAS to Deploy 5,000 Troops Amid Rising Terror Threat in West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled plans to deploy a 5,000-strong standby force to combat the rising wave of terrorism, banditry, and political instability across the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of a high-level security meeting held on March 11, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, announced the regional bloc’s intention to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF). The move comes amid escalating threats from terrorist groups operating out of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
“The activation of this force underscores our collective determination to confront the stretch of terrorism and insecurity, and to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” Abubakar told Voice of America.
The proposed force will also address violent extremism, cross-border crimes, and growing instability across ECOWAS member states. However, specific details regarding the timing and location of the force’s first deployment remain unclear.
Security experts have welcomed the initiative but caution that ECOWAS faces significant logistical and operational challenges. Security analyst Kabiru Adamu pointed out that forming the force may be complicated by the recent exit of three key member countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—from the regional bloc. The trio have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), casting doubt over their cooperation.
“There are concerns over sourcing the full 5,000 troops, especially now that three initial contributors are no longer part of ECOWAS,” Adamu explained.
Despite their departure, ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray has expressed hope for continued collaboration with the AES on security matters.
Retired Major General Nicholas Rogers, a former commander of Nigeria’s Operation Safe Haven, echoed the concerns, stating that the ESF could only succeed if member states share adequate resources, technology, and mutual trust.
“It is difficult for a region that is economically poor to maintain a standby force. You’re talking about funding, troop logistics, air support, and medical infrastructure—this can’t be achieved on paper alone,” Rogers said at a policy forum in Abuja.
Still, some leaders remain optimistic. Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has championed the idea of a standby force, asserting that it could have deterred the recent string of coups and rising insecurity across the region.
“The establishment of this force is essential for maintaining regional stability. It will allow ECOWAS to respond swiftly to threats and promote democratic governance and peace in West Africa,” Akufo-Addo said in a recent statement.
As terrorism and instability continue to threaten the West African subregion, the success of the ECOWAS Standby Force may hinge on the bloc’s ability to unite its remaining members and secure the necessary political and financial support.
