The Nigerien junta has ordered its Armed Forces to rejoin the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) after withdrawing from the coalition a year ago. The MNJTF, which operates in the Lake Chad region, includes military personnel from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Benin, and Niger.
Following the coup that ousted President Bazoum Mohammed in July 2023, Niger’s military had abandoned its collaboration with the MNJTF amid threats of intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by President Bola Tinubu.
On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, announced in Abuja that the decision for the return was made after a visit by Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, to his Nigerien counterpart in Niamey last month.
Badaru, represented by Permanent Secretary Abubakar Kana, noted that the departure of Nigerien troops from the MNJTF was a direct result of the coup. He expressed optimism about the return, stating, “The rejoining of Nigerien troops to the MNJTF will bolster our ongoing efforts against Boko Haram.”
He praised the MNJTF for its recent successes, which included rescuing 34 captives—comprising women and children—from the Lake Chad area. “The efforts of our troops have significantly weakened the terror group, prompting over 100,000 terrorists to surrender,” Badaru added.
He also mentioned that the Nigerian government is committed to providing training for these repentant individuals to help them reintegrate into society.
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