From Umar Danladi Ado,Sokoto
The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd), has welcomed the call by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for deeper regional security cooperation among ECOWAS member states to confront emerging security threats.
Usman said stronger collaboration among countries in the sub-region was particularly important to states such as Sokoto, which shares a long border with the Niger Republic and continues to contend with security challenges that often have cross-border dimensions.
He said the increasingly interconnected nature of terrorism, banditry, arms trafficking, violent extremism and other transnational crimes has made it imperative for security agencies and governments across the region to work together.
According to him, criminals and terrorist groups do not recognise national boundaries, making intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated border surveillance and improved communication among security agencies essential to addressing the threats.
“We welcome the call by the Chief of Army Staff for stronger regional security cooperation. This is particularly relevant to Sokoto State because of our strategic location and proximity to the Niger Republic.
“Security challenges in our region cannot be effectively addressed by one country alone. There is a need for sustained cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts among neighbouring countries to prevent criminal elements from exploiting our borders,” he said.
The retired military officer also supported the call for regular joint training and exercises, noting that such initiatives would enhance the capacity of security forces to operate jointly when confronting threats that cut across national boundaries.
He noted that Sokoto has a direct stake in efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS security architecture, as developments along the Nigeria–Niger border have implications for communities and security operations within the state.
Usman said stronger regional cooperation would complement the efforts of the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in protecting lives and property, particularly in border communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to supporting security agencies and initiatives aimed at improving security in the state.
He urged ECOWAS member states to sustain dialogue and practical cooperation, stressing that intelligence sharing, coordinated border management, joint training and harmonised operational strategies would strengthen collective capacity to confront emerging threats.
“The security of our communities is interconnected with the security of neighbouring communities. What happens across the border can have consequences on this side, and that is why regional cooperation is not only desirable but necessary,” Usman added.
