The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that Niger Republic has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force, stating that such move would have serious security implications for both countries.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye clarified that the MNJTF remains a critical regional security collaboration and stressing that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye reiterated that such withdrawal would not be in the interest of either Nigeria or Niger Republic.
“When you hear ‘them say,’ it means the information lacks credibility. I think this area has been a subject of discourse for the past few months, especially when some members of ECOWAS decided to form an alliance and attempted to exit ECOWAS.
“But, you know, the Multinational Joint Task Force was established by the Lake Chad Commission countries to address their common security concerns.
“Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if for any reason a member decides to pull out, the implications will be substantial. The synergy we are supposed to enjoy may no longer be there.
“It is not in our interest for any country to leave, because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.
“Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening. We will continue to examine the situation, and as we always do, we will provide further briefings when necessary.”
Kangye also assured the public that security forces remain focused on apprehending notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
He dismissed claims that the military had downscaled operations against herdsmen, terrorists and cattle rustlers among others.
“Then on the aspect of whether the troops are not, or they have downscaled their operations against Cattle rustlers and some terrorists. No. Troops intercepted some trucks loaded with cows, and they recovered them, and they are still on the hunt for high-value terrorists. I have also read out the report for the quarter, some high-value terrorists that were eliminated during the quarter.
“I have mentioned their names. So as for Bello Truji, it is just a matter of time, an appointment will be fixed with him by his maker,” Kangye stated.
Addressing concerns about the welfare of injured troops, Kangye refuted allegations of neglecting soldiers wounded in action.
“Well, to the best of my knowledge and what the armed forces is doing, our troops are adequately taken care of.”
Aside from those on the frontline, he added, “I can also tell you that the services headquarters, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, is taking good care of the sick and wounded. Some of them that require medical evacuation abroad are taken abroad for medical treatment. Some went to Egypt, some went to Turkey, I remember, some are in India.”
Kangye also noted that the military has provided free housing for wounded soldiers who may not be able to return to active service.
Speaking on the mob killings of travelers Edo State, he said the political leadership of both Edo State and Kano State have taken actions on the matter. “You are aware that the political leadership of Edo State visited that of Kano State over the issue and families of the victims.
“So at the political level, everything has been resolved. I don’t think there is going to be any issue. Anybody or group causing apprehension or threats, if security agencies are aware, will be investigated.”
The Director also warned against the spread of false information, particularly regarding religious crises in northern Nigeria.
He urged journalists and the public to verify claims before sharing them, stressing that misleading narratives could be weaponized to create unrest.
“This is an AI-dominated information age. False narratives can be manipulated to create confusion. However, we will investigate all credible reports and take appropriate action,” he assured.
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