The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has called for a major review of the structure, intelligence capacity, logistics, financing and command system of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to enable it respond effectively to emerging security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and wider Sahel.
The Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), made the call on October 6, 2026, at the opening of a two-day High-Level International Forum on the MNJTF held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on October 6, 2026.
Musa said the security environment in the region had changed considerably since the establishment of the MNJTF 11 years ago, making it necessary for participating countries and international partners to reassess the Task Force’s capabilities and operational framework.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond routine assessments and develop practical and sustainable measures capable of strengthening the regional force, particularly amid evolving threats and changing patterns of international support.
The Minister said the MNJTF remained critical to combating terrorism, transnational crime and other forms of insecurity across the Lake Chad Basin, while commending troops and regional and international partners for their sacrifices and contributions to the fight against insecurity.
He expressed optimism that the participation of the African Union, European Union, Lake Chad Basin Commission, troop-contributing countries, former and serving Force Commanders and other strategic stakeholders would produce actionable recommendations for repositioning the Task Force.
Musa 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 of regional security and collective African action.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, said the forum provided an opportunity for military practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to examine the experience, relevance and future employment of the MNJTF.
Oluyede noted that the transnational nature of contemporary security threats required sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, interoperability and mutual trust among countries and security partners.
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.
The CDS stressed that security in the Lake Chad Basin remained a shared responsibility, requiring sustained commitment and stronger partnerships among regional and international stakeholders.
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The forum, organised by the 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.”
It brings together senior military and security officials, policymakers, academics, practitioners and strategic partners to examine the future of the MNJTF and develop pathways for strengthening collective security in the region.
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