Defence Minister Calls for Repositioning of MNJTF to Tackle Evolving Threats
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for the repositioning of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to effectively respond to evolving security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel.
Musa made the call on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening of a two-day High-Level International Forum on the MNJTF 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 Defence Minister noted that 11 years after its establishment, the MNJTF remains an important instrument in the fight against terrorism, transnational crime and other security threats across the Lake Chad Basin.
He, however, said the changing security environment required 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, particularly in response to emerging 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 efforts to restore security 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 repositioning the Task Force.
He assured participants that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria would give due attention to the outcome of the forum, stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the MNJTF an important instrument for regional security and collective African action.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, described the forum as a timely platform for military practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to examine the MNJTF’s experience, continuing relevance and future operations.
The CDS 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 deliberations that would produce practical recommendations for strengthening the MNJTF and improving security across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel.
General Oluyede further 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 pathways for strengthening collective security in the region.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, Defence Headquarters.
Defence Minister Calls for Repositioning of MNJTF to Tackle Evolving Threats