— Defence Minister Calls for Adaptive, Sustainable Regional Response
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a High-Level International Forum on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with the Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, calling for the repositioning of the Task Force to effectively confront evolving security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel
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A statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information said General Musa made the call today, 6 October 2026, 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 Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Centre of the National Defence College, is themed: “Repositioning the Multi National Joint Task Force to Effectively Combat Evolving Threat Dynamics in the Lake Chad Region”.
The Minister observed that, eleven years after its establishment, the MNJTF continues to play a critical role in countering terrorism, transnational crime and other forms of insecurity across the Lake Chad Basin. He noted, however, that the regional security environment had changed significantly, requiring stakeholders to critically reassess the Task Force’s structure, capabilities, intelligence, command and control, logistics and financing.
General Musa urged participants to move beyond routine assessments and develop practical and sustainable measures for strengthening the MNJTF, particularly in view of evolving threats in the Sahel and changing patterns of international support. He commended the sacrifices of troops and the contributions of regional and international partners to the fight against insecurity.
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He 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 generate actionable recommendations for strengthening the Task Force.
He assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria would give due attention to the outcomes of the Forum, stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the MNJTF an important instrument of regional security and collective African action.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, said the Forum provides a timely platform for military practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to reflect on the experience, continuing relevance and future employment of the MNJTF.
The CDS stressed that the transnational nature of contemporary security threats requires sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, interoperability, mutual trust and the capacity to adapt collective responses to emerging realities. He called for candid, constructive and forward-looking deliberations that would produce practical recommendations for strengthening the MNJTF and enhancing security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel.
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General Oluyede further 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 forum brings together senior military and security officials, policymakers, academics, practitioners and strategic partners to examine the future of the MNJTF and identify practical pathways for strengthening collective security in the region.
