By John Ikani
As part of efforts geared towards combating insurgency, Nigeria’s Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has announced that the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the direction of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, have successfully reinstated Niger Republic’s participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Badaru, whose remarks were delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, shared this update during a briefing in Abuja. The briefing marked the beginning of preparations for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations (AFRDC).
The minister emphasized that the renewed involvement of Niger Republic would bolster security along the shared borders and enhance the overall performance of the Joint Task Force.
He also stressed the global significance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which serves as a commemoration of the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.
“While other Commonwealth member countries observe this event on November 11 yearly, Nigeria observes it on January 15 yearly to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
“The troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations.”
According to the minister, ongoing plans focus on ensuring that troop welfare, training, and access to modern equipment remain a priority.
The military also aims to employ a more forward-looking strategy to address security issues, emphasizing the importance of intelligence sharing and strengthening ties with neighbouring West African nations.
