ECOWAS Moves Military Equipment to Sierra Leone for Regional Counter-Terrorism Force

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated the transfer of vital military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone. This action marks a significant step toward deploying the bloc's regional counter-terrorism force, targeted for operational readiness by mid-2027.

The move addresses escalating terrorist threats across West Africa. Equipment donated by China, previously stored in Nigeria due to an unfinished logistics facility, can now be utilized. The inauguration of the ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, enables the equipment's relocation and operational deployment.

ECOWAS Commissioners Habiba Bappah and Abdeel-Fatau Musah highlighted the urgency of the transfer. Musah stated that the equipment is essential for establishing mobile field headquarters and providing support for troops in counter-terrorism operations. "This equipment has stayed here for long time because the logistics depot was not ready. Today, it has been launched, and it is time to move this equipment out of the cantonment," he said.

Part of the equipment will also be sent to Benin Republic, a coastal West African nation facing increased terrorist attacks. The deployment aims to bolster member states' capabilities in confronting terrorism and supporting ECOWAS's security initiatives.

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This equipment has stayed here for long time because the logistics depot was not ready. Today, it has been launched, and it is time to move this equipment out of the cantonment.