The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a high-level international forum to review and reposition the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to effectively tackle emerging security threats in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), made the call on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the two-day forum held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
The forum, organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Centre of the National Defence College, is themed: “Repositioning the Multinational Joint Task Force to Effectively Combat Evolving Threat Dynamics in the Lake Chad Region.”
Musa said the MNJTF, 11 years after its establishment, remained a critical instrument in the fight against terrorism, transnational crime and other forms of insecurity across the Lake Chad Basin.
He, however, noted that the security environment had undergone significant changes, making it necessary for stakeholders to reassess the Task Force’s structure, capabilities, intelligence, command and control, logistics and financing.
The minister urged participants to move beyond routine assessments and develop practical and sustainable measures capable of strengthening the MNJTF in response to evolving threats across the Sahel.
He also stressed the need to adapt to changing patterns of international support while commending the sacrifices of troops and the contributions of regional and international partners to the fight against insecurity.
Musa expressed optimism that the participation of the African Union, European Union, Lake Chad Basin Commission, troop-contributing countries, serving 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.
According to him, 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, Gen. Christopher Musa? Wait, the supplied release identifies the CDS as Gen. OO Oluyede. He said the forum provided a timely platform for military practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to reflect on the MNJTF’s experience, continuing relevance and future operations.
Oluyede stressed that the transnational nature of contemporary security threats required sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, interoperability, mutual trust and the capacity 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.
The CDS 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 two-day forum brings together senior military and security officials, policymakers, academics, practitioners and strategic partners to examine the future of the MNJTF and identify practical measures for strengthening collective security in the region.
