Kehinde Fajobi
The African Union has committed $800,000 to support the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in its counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
The AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Adeoye Bankole, announced this on Wednesday at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“Since 2015, the MNJTF has been instrumental in ensuring security in areas affected by insurgency, mitigating violent attacks, and facilitating stabilisation programmes,” Bankole stated.
He added that the AU’s ongoing support for the force would be strengthened with an additional $800,000 to enhance intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, and regional stabilisation efforts.
“The magnitude of the security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin far outweighs the resources currently available to address them.
“That is why the AU remains committed to strengthening the MNJTF and ensuring that it has the necessary support to effectively combat terrorism,” he said.
Bankole also called on international partners to sustain their financial and logistical contributions, stressing that the MNJTF’s success is crucial for regional stability.
“While the MNJTF has recorded significant achievements, sustained funding and international collaboration are necessary to consolidate gains and prevent the resurgence of terrorist activities,” he said.
He further urged governments in the region to integrate counter-terrorism and stabilisation efforts into their national budgets, stating, “The fight against terrorism is not just a military operation; it requires coordinated governance, humanitarian response, and socio-economic recovery.”