Nigeria's Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged for an adaptive and sustainable regional response to terrorism. He made the call at a High-Level International Forum on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Abuja. The forum, convened by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), aims to reposition the MNJTF to effectively confront evolving security threats. Gen. Musa stressed the need for a reassessment of the Task Force's structure, capabilities, and logistics.
The MNJTF was established 11 years ago to counter terrorism, transnational crime, and insecurity across the Lake Chad Basin. Gen. Musa noted that the regional security environment has changed significantly, requiring stakeholders to reassess the Task Force's capabilities. He urged participants to develop practical measures for strengthening the MNJTF, particularly in view of evolving threats in the Sahel and changing patterns of international support.
The forum, organised in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Centre of the National Defence College, has as its theme "Repositioning the Multi National Joint Task Force to Effectively Combat Evolving Threat Dynamics in the Lake Chad Region". Gen. Musa commended the sacrifices of troops and contributions of regional and international partners to the fight against insecurity. He expressed optimism that the forum would generate actionable recommendations for strengthening the Task Force.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, welcomed participants to the forum, saying it provides a timely platform for military practitioners, policymakers, academics, and strategic partners to reflect on the MNJTF's experience and future employment. General Oluyede stressed that contemporary security threats require sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and interoperability among regional and international partners.
General Oluyede called for candid and constructive deliberations that would produce practical recommendations to strengthen the MNJTF and enhance security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel. He emphasised that the security of the Lake Chad Basin remains a shared responsibility, requiring sustained commitment and stronger partnerships among regional and international stakeholders.
The Defence Minister assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria would give due attention to the outcomes of the Forum. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the MNJTF an important instrument of regional security and collective African action. The forum brought together strategic stakeholders, including the African Union, European Union, and Lake Chad Basin Commission.
The participation of Troop Contributing Countries, current and former Force Commanders, and other stakeholders is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening the MNJTF. The forum's outcomes are expected to enhance security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region. The MNJTF plays a critical role in countering terrorism and transnational crime in the region.
Key points
- The Multinational Joint Task Force needs to be repositioned to effectively combat evolving security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
- The regional security environment has changed significantly, requiring stakeholders to reassess the Task Force's structure, capabilities, and logistics.
- The forum aims to generate actionable recommendations for strengthening the MNJTF and enhancing security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
