The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, has assured the Borno State Government that the Boko Haram insurgency and other armed groups operating around the Lake Chad region are nearing defeat.
Audu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri as part of his familiarisation tour following his assumption of office in November 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Ikedichi Oweha, the commander said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the Borno State Government, which plays a central role in the Lake Chad Basin Commission Governors’ Forum.
According to Audu, the MNJTF has developed a robust operational strategy designed to confront Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups by directly targeting their strongholds.
“The MNJTF has adopted a comprehensive approach that takes the fight to terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad region,” he said.
“Indicators from ongoing operations by our troops and partner forces show that the end of the Boko Haram insurgency and related security threats is within reach.”
He added that the task force remains committed to operating in line with its strategic mandate of restoring peace, stability, and security across the Lake Chad Basin.
In his response, Governor Zulum congratulated Audu on his appointment and reaffirmed the Borno State Government’s continued support for the MNJTF.
The governor commended the military and other security agencies for their sustained efforts, noting that their sacrifices had helped create an enabling environment for peace and development in the state.
Zulum also highlighted the state’s past logistical and operational assistance to security agencies, which he said contributed significantly to the success of MNJTF operations such as Operation Lake Sanity I and II.
Describing the MNJTF commander as “disciplined, proactive, and highly dedicated,” Zulum expressed confidence that Audu’s leadership would further strengthen the task force’s effectiveness.
He urged the MNJTF to intensify operations in the Lake Chad islands and surrounding tumbus, which he described as largely ungoverned areas often exploited by terrorists as hideouts.
“These areas must not be allowed to serve as safe havens for terrorists,” Zulum said, calling for sustained troop deployment, particularly on the Nigerian side of the Lake Chad region.
The governor assured the MNJTF of the state government’s continued support, despite competing demands on its limited resources.
