The Borno State Government has assured the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of its continued support in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum made the assurance on Monday while hosting the MNJTF Force Commander, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, during a familiarisation visit to the Government House, Maiduguri. Major General Audu assumed command of the MNJTF on November 13, 2025.
Governor Zulum congratulated the Force Commander on his appointment and commended security agencies for their cooperation with the state government, which he said has contributed to peace and development in Borno. He recalled the state’s support for security operations, including Operation Lake Sanity 1 and 2, MNJTF’s flagship initiatives.
Describing Major General Audu as a disciplined and proactive officer with high integrity, the governor urged intensified operations in the Lake Chad islands and “tumbus,” which he said are often used by terrorists as hideouts. He also called for increased deployment of troops on the Nigerian side of the islands to deny terrorists freedom of movement and safe havens.
Earlier, Major General Audu said he visited the state to engage the governor as a key stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin Commission Governors’ Forum. He commended the state government for its past support and requested its continued collaboration.
The Force Commander said he had mapped out strategies to confront Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups by taking the fight directly to their enclaves. He assured that his leadership would follow MNJTF’s strategic direction and expressed optimism that the end of the Boko Haram insurgency was near.
