Federal Gov’t Rallies Regional Forces For Renewed Assault On Terror Networks

The federal government has moved to strengthen a coordinated regional offensive against terrorism, rallying neighbouring countries to intensify joint military efforts across the Lake Chad Basin.

This was made known in a press release signed by Enderline Chukwu, the Deputy-Director (Information and Public Relations), for the Director, Information and Public Relations and posted on the verified Facebook page of the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.

According to a statement, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) “reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and collective security,” stressing the need for sustained collaboration among member-states.

He emphasised “the importance of sustained collaboration in degrading terrorist networks and stabilising the Lake Chad Basin,” underscoring the urgency of a united front against insurgency.

The meeting brought together Defence Ministers and representatives from Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin, alongside senior military leadership, intelligence chiefs and key stakeholders involved in regional security operations.

It provided what the ministry described as “a strategic platform to review ongoing operations and strengthen collective efforts in addressing terrorism and cross-border threats in the Lake Chad Basin.”

Participants also examined reports presented by Chiefs of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence and security agencies, with discussions focusing on “the operational effectiveness of the MNJTF and emerging security dynamics within the region.”

Deliberations during closed-door sessions included “frank exchanges on critical challenges, including force deployment, funding constraints and the evolving threat environment,” the statement added.

Gen. Musa commended the government and people of Chad for hosting the meeting and acknowledged their leadership within the MNJTF framework.

The renewed engagements signalled what officials described as a reinvigorated regional push to degrade terrorist networks and restore stability across the Lake Chad Basin.