The Economic Community of West African States has begun moving military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone as preparations intensify for a proposed regional counter terrorism force.
The bloc is targeting the middle of 2027 for operational deployment.
A large quantity of equipment donated by China had remained in storage in Nigeria because the regional logistics facility intended to receive it was not ready.
The inauguration of the ECOWAS logistics depot at Lungi in Sierra Leone has now cleared the way for relocation.
The equipment includes vehicles, cargo and water carriers, communications systems, command infrastructure, camp materials and training equipment.
ECOWAS officials said the supplies would support mobile field headquarters and provide logistical support for troops deployed against terrorist groups.
The equipment is expected to be transported from Nigeria to Sierra Leone and then distributed to operational theatres and member states requiring assistance.
Some of the material is expected to be directed to Benin Republic, which has faced increased terrorist pressure spilling southward from the Sahel.
ECOWAS said the movement of equipment was a practical step toward turning the proposed regional force from a policy commitment into an operational capability.
The bloc thanked Nigeria for storing the equipment over several years.
As a symbolic gesture, ECOWAS transferred several vehicles to the Nigerian Armed Forces in recognition of Nigeria’s contribution to regional peace and security.
Officials also praised Nigeria’s historical role in regional peace operations and diplomatic interventions.
The regional force will require more than troops.
Its success will depend on transport, communications, command and control, accommodation, intelligence sharing and sustainable financing.
ECOWAS said the logistics depot would provide a central base from which equipment could be maintained and deployed.
The preparations come as terrorist groups increasingly threaten coastal West African countries as well as Sahel states.
The planned brigade will therefore test whether ECOWAS can build a coordinated regional response capable of operating across national borders and supporting countries under pressure.
