By Harriet Tornguvan
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and collective security in the fight against terrorism and cross-border threats in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, made the declaration during a high-level meeting of Defence Ministers of Troop Contributing Countries under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), held in N'Djamena, Chad.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among member states in degrading terrorist networks and stabilising the Lake Chad region. He noted that coordinated military and intelligence efforts remain critical to addressing the complex and evolving security challenges confronting the region.
The meeting, convened under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), brought together Defence Ministers and representatives from member countries including Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Benin. Also in attendance were senior military officers, intelligence chiefs and key stakeholders involved in regional security operations.
Deliberations at the meeting focused on reviewing ongoing operations of the MNJTF and enhancing joint strategies to counter terrorism and other transnational threats within the Lake Chad Basin. The Ministers considered detailed reports presented by Chiefs of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence and security agencies, which highlighted operational effectiveness and emerging security dynamics in the region.
Discussions during closed sessions also addressed pressing challenges such as force deployment, funding constraints and the shifting nature of security threats, underscoring the need for adaptive and well-coordinated responses among member states.
Musa commended the government and people of Chad for hosting the meeting and acknowledged the country’s leadership role within the MNJTF framework. The participating Ministers also expressed appreciation to the President of Chad and Chairman of the LCBC Summit for his continued support in advancing peace and security across the region.
The meeting is expected to further strengthen collaboration among member states and reinforce collective resolve in tackling insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin.
