The Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor has applauded the efforts of the joint LCBC-MNJTF Civil-Military Cooperation Cell for bridging the gap between military and civilian actors which has facilitated seamless delivery of humanitarian assistance and further enabled cross border economic activities in the Region.
General Lucky Irabor made this known in his goodwill message on the occasion of the Maiden Edition of MNJTF Magazine 2022, to the Officers and men of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), where he was privileged to be a Commander a few years back.
The CDS who said this is key to the overall efforts in stabilizing the Lake Chad Region, reassure MNJTF of the continuous support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defeat threats to peace and security while facilitating the actualization of the regional stabilization mandate.
The CDS opined that the problems of the Sahel can only be solved using collaborative efforts. In this regard, MNJTF has continued to work assiduously with Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI to ensure peace in the Lake Chad region.
He added that the improvements in the security disposition across our theatres are the result of the renewed synergy and vibrancy that have been fostered among our forces in the field with other secunty agencies.
"The improving state of peace in the North East region of Nigeria and Lake Chad area in general can be attributed to the aggressive posture of troops resulting in the mass surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP members.
"The efforts of MNJTF in ensuring that cross border crimes in the Lake Chad region are curtailed is worth commending", he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff stressed in his goodwill message that its the Lake Chad Basin Strategy for the stabilization and recovery of the affected areas. The strategy has facilitated the implementation of overall stabilization programmes by the Lake Chad Basin Commission member states including the restoration of state authority and the return of IDPs and refugees.
It has equally provided solutions to the deep-rooted causes of the under-development and the drivers of violent extremism and conflicts in the Region. I am hopeful that its implementation will be sustained.
On the maiden edition of MNJTF Magazine, the Defence Chief, Nigeria stated that the idea for the Magazine is a good one as it elucidates various activities thereby creating awareness on the mandate and the achievements of MNJTF in restoring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.
General Irabor appreciated the Heads of State and Governments of LC8C countries for their commitment in providing the necessary support to the MNJTF in achieving its mandate. He appreciate the gallant officers and men for their unalloyed commitment and dedication to restore peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.
He congratulated the Commander MNJTF Major General AK Ibrahim and the Editonal Board for the laudable initiative in producing the Maiden MNJTF Magazine 2022.
The Multinational Joint Task Force operates within the authorized AU Peace and Security Council mandate to eliminate Boko Haram in order to create a safe and secure environment and facilitate the stabilization in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, by using all the necessary means within its capacity.