From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a high-level international forum on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), calling for measures to reposition the force to tackle emerging security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
Musa made the call on Tuesday while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the two-day forum held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
The forum, organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Centre of the National Defence College, is themed: “Repositioning the Multinational Joint Task Force to Effectively Combat Evolving Threat Dynamics in the Lake Chad Region.”
The Minister said the MNJTF had remained an important platform for combating terrorism, transnational crime and other security challenges across the Lake Chad Basin since its establishment 11 years ago.
He, however, noted that the regional security environment had changed considerably, making it necessary for stakeholders to reassess the Task Force’s structure, capabilities, intelligence, command and control, logistics and financing.
Musa urged participants to move beyond routine assessments and develop practical and sustainable measures to strengthen the MNJTF in response to changing security threats in the Sahel and evolving patterns of international support.
He commended the sacrifices of troops and the contributions of regional and international partners to efforts aimed at addressing insecurity in the region.
The Minister expressed optimism that the participation of the African Union, European Union, Lake Chad Basin Commission, troop-contributing countries, current and former Force Commanders and other strategic stakeholders would produce actionable recommendations for improving the Task Force.
He assured participants that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria would give due consideration to the outcome of the forum.
Musa said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarded the MNJTF as an important instrument for regional security and collective African action.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa? Wait user says General OO Oluyede, said the forum provided an opportunity for military practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to examine the experience, relevance and future role of the MNJTF.
Oluyede stressed that the transnational nature of contemporary security threats required sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, interoperability, mutual trust and the ability to adapt collective responses to emerging challenges.
He called for candid and forward-looking discussions that would result in practical recommendations for strengthening the MNJTF and improving security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel.
The CDS also emphasised that security in the Lake Chad Basin remained a shared responsibility requiring sustained commitment and stronger partnerships among regional and international stakeholders.
The forum brings together senior military and security officials, policymakers, academics, practitioners and strategic partners to examine the future of the MNJTF and identify practical ways to strengthen collective security in the region.
