ECOWAS COMMISSION CONFERS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM’S JOINT FORCE OPERATIONS CHIEF

Through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), the ECOWAS Commission conferred with the United Kingdom (UK)’s chief of joint Force Operations, Brigadier Dan Duff who led a three-man delegation for a mutually beneficial meeting on the 3^rd of February 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The meeting with the Commissioner, Political Affairs Peace and security Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah explored shared experiences bordering on crisis response operations, learning on preparedness for deploying military forces into crisis as well as the benefits from developing the current ECOWAS-UK excellent relations.

Acknowledging the shared values of ECOWAS and the UK, Commissioner Musah noted that the ECOWAS Commission is currently reviewing its peace and security architecture particularly as it relates to the kinetic arm through its counter terrorism initiatives including sensible actions on the humanitarian crisis. He stressed that the visit affords a good opportunity to build on existing collaboration.

The Commissioner’s earlier remark had also touched on the salient strategic programmes of PAPS explaining that collaboration with partners was key to their realisation since they are meant to strengthen a wide range of benefits in aid greater integration of the region.

Corroborating Commissioner Musah, the ECOWAS Director, Peace-keeping and Regional Security Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom said with the current move to shore up both the number and capability of the ECOWAS Standby Force, the Commission is taking the required steps to halt the expansion of terrorism with the overall aim of eradicating it.

Brigadier Duff stated his country’s healthy interest in engaging ECOWAS to understand the complex security situation in the region and the in the Sahel, while gaining further insights to the West African peace and security landscape.

Also, on hand for the discussions were Squadron Leader Steve Milne – Miliary assistant to Chief Joint Forces Operations as well as Major Kev Holligan – UK Visiting Military Liaison Officer to ECOWAS.