National Defence College (NDC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) inaugurated the ECOWAS Senior Mission Leaders Course in Abuja on Monday, February 9, 2026, reinforcing Nigeria’s and the bloc’s commitment to regional peace and security.
The programme brings together senior military, civilian, and security officials from ECOWAS member states to address complex challenges and enhance strategic leadership skills essential for planning, deploying, and managing peace support operations.
At the opening ceremony, ECOWAS representatives highlighted that the course equips participants to lead multidimensional peace efforts and respond to threats such as terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, maritime piracy, and cyber security breaches.
Representing the NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Deputy Commandant Major General Kelvin Ukandu noted that West Africa continues to face persistent threats that undermine peace and stability, including terrorism, insurgency, piracy, and unconstitutional changes of government.
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He said these challenges have repeatedly triggered political and humanitarian crises across the region.
The curriculum emphasises strategic decision-making, cultural awareness, diplomacy, and gender perspectives to ensure participants develop the competencies needed to lead in complex operational environments.
The course reflects ECOWAS’s broader strategy to professionalize peace support operations and strengthen regional cooperation, building leadership capacities that contribute to a more secure and stable West Africa.