Nigeria to work with AES nations on MNJTF changes

The Defence Headquarters has announced plans to work with countries in the Sahel region to change the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). This force was set up to fight Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area.

Defence spokesperson Samaila Uba shared this on Thursday during a security briefing at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Abuja. This center is part of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Major General Uba, who is in the Nigerian Army, said the plans were discussed at a meeting that included former and current MNJTF commanders, scholars, and experts. They looked at the future of this military group.

The forum also talked about what it means for the region now that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), also called Alliance des États du Sahel, has pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They discussed possible diplomatic options to tackle the challenges from this withdrawal.

“We also examined the diplomatic alternatives and options available to address issues arising from the withdrawal of those countries from ECOWAS,” he said.

Mr Uba added that the forum looked at future developments and ways to make the task force more effective. They also talked about the security issues that come with changing political ties in the region.

“I assure you that we will begin to see the dividends of that high-level engagement very soon,” he said.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, the MNJTF was set up in 2015 to fight Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area. The countries involved in the MNJTF include Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. Niger has stopped taking part since it joined the AES.

The exit of three member countries (Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso) from ECOWAS, after military coups, has raised concerns about how these countries will work together. The three countries left ECOWAS, formed the AES, and have not shown interest in returning to ECOWAS.