ECOWAS Eyes Anti-Terror Brigade, Vows to End Coups in W/Africa

By Angel Ike

ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has announced bold steps to fight terrorism, banditry, and organised crime across West Africa.

He made the announcement at the bloc’s 68th Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria.

Bio said Finance and Defence Ministers will develop funding and operations for a 1,650-strong counter-terrorism brigade by late 2026.

He emphasised that security needs more than military action: job creation, education, and better governance are essential to defeat extremism at its roots.

Marking ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, Bio condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and the foiled coup in Benin.

He praised Nigeria-led ECOWAS forces for swift action in Benin and reaffirmed the bloc’s zero-tolerance for unconstitutional changes, stating that Democracy requires constant vigilance.

He assured that ECOWAS will cut air travel costs starting January 1, 2026, by abolishing transport taxes and reducing passenger/security charges by 25% to boost regional integration and the single market.

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Bola Tinubu, urged unity against shared threats like terrorism, extremism, coups, and economic pressures.

Shetima said no nation can secure stability alone, pledging Nigeria’s full commitment to ECOWAS.

The summit signals renewed resolve for coordinated intelligence, border security, and a regional standby force.