Security personnel from twelve Nigerian agencies attended a five-day physical security and stockpile management training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 7 to 11 September 2026.

The training was conducted by the ECOWAS Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security in collaboration with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC), Germany, and the Nigerian National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NNSALW).

It forms part of the continued implementation of the ECOWAS Roadmap on Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM).

ECOWAS said the training was aimed at preventing the diversion, theft, loss and illicit proliferation of weapons and ammunition, improving the security and accountability of state-held stockpiles, and preventing unintended explosions in Member States.

The programme combined classroom teaching with simulations and practical exercises. Participants received instruction on PSSM approaches, principles and procedures aligned with international standards and best practices.

As part of the simulation exercises, participants visited the armoury of the Nigerian Army’s 29 Battalion, where they observed the application of PSSM principles and procedures in an operational setting.

The training also assessed participants’ technical competence and instructional potential, with a view to identifying qualified personnel for further development as ECOWAS PSSM instructors.

ECOWAS said the initiative is expected to expand the ECOWAS Pool of PSSM Instructors and enhance the region’s capacity to provide sustainable training and technical assistance to Member States.

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Source: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

By Daniel Inaju - Challydoff Limited · originally published by CLOSING OF ERCA’S INAUGURAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE : FOR AN OPEN, FAIR AND GENUINELY INTEGRATED WEST AFRICAN MARKET