The Federal Government has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States to take unified and decisive action against rising cross border crimes in the sub region. It warned that issues such as terrorism human trafficking arms smuggling and irregular migration no longer respect national boundaries and must be confronted collectively.
At a recent ECOWAS forum Nigerian representatives urged stronger cooperation on intelligence sharing joint patrols and coordinated law enforcement operations along shared borders. They stressed that insecurity in one country quickly spills into neighbouring states through porous frontiers and weak surveillance.
The Federal Government also highlighted the proliferation of small arms improvised explosive devices piracy and other transnational organised crimes in the Gulf of Guinea and across West Africa. It said these threats undermine economic growth disrupt trade routes and endanger millions of citizens in border communities.
Nigeria called on ECOWAS members to fully implement existing regional frameworks on security information exchange and border management. Officials said stronger political will adequate funding capacity building and community engagement are needed to make these agreements effective on the ground.
At the ECOWAS level leaders have repeatedly pledged to deepen cross border cooperation and adopt survivor centred approaches in tackling human trafficking sexual and gender based violence and violence against children. They reaffirmed commitments under Article 58 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and the ECOWAS Vision 2050 to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
President Bola Tinubu who currently plays a key role within ECOWAS has previously urged West African nations to mobilise citizens and security institutions against violent extremism and other cross border crimes. He described a united regional front as essential to stopping military coups terrorism organised crime and other forms of insecurity that threaten the sub region.
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