As Multinational Force Claims Victory in Lake Chad
By Steven Kefas and Segun Onibiyo
(Kaduna), Regional troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) thwarted a major terrorist attack in Lake Chad, exposing a dangerous new alliance between ISWAP and Boko Haram that threatens West African stability and global security.
Strategic Victory in Lake Chad
On November 25, what could have been a devastating terrorist offensive transformed into a significant victory for regional forces when Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP-Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria’s volatile Lake Chad region. The operation, which took place in Kukawa and Monguno counties of Borno State, demonstrated the growing capabilities of regional forces while simultaneously raising alarming questions about emerging terrorist alliances.
Lt. Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, provided detailed insights into the operation’s success: “Following intense air and artillery bombardments, combined with a ground assault, five terrorists were neutralized, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. During the operation, our air assets destroyed three VBIEDs [Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices]. Troops also recovered 40 motorbikes abandoned by the terrorists, along with assorted weapons, four anti-aircraft guns, and one rocket-propelled grenade. Unfortunately, three soldiers paid the supreme price,” Osoba told TruthNigeria.
Intelligence-Led Operations Yield Results
The operation’s success hinged on precise intelligence gathering and coordination between air and ground forces. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson Akinboyewa emphasized this aspect: “The strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters. Intelligence had previously linked the terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.”
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including its food storage facilities, has severely disrupted their logistical operations,” Akinboyewa added, explaining that follow-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements, he said in a statement viewed by TruthNigeria.
Warning Signs: The New Terror Alliance
The emergence of a unified ISWAP-Boko Haram front has set off alarm bells among security experts. Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a prominent security analyst based in Birnin-Kebbi, expressed grave concerns about this development: “An alliance of Boko Haram and ISWAP at such a critical time should worry Nigerians,” he warned. “It means the group, having split some years ago, may have now found the need to unite to give them an advantage in their campaign of terror. I believe that there is an ongoing alliance between jihadist groups in the Sahel, and such an alliance should worry all of us and even the international community,” Dr. Abdullahi told TruthNigeria.
The Path Forward: Regional Cooperation
The complexity of the terrorist threat demands a more comprehensive regional response, according to experts. Dr. Abdullahi emphasized this urgent need: “This is why I think the countries in the Sahel must unite and take the multinational joint task force more seriously. In fact, the scope of the joint task force needs to be expanded to include Mali and Burkina Faso because, whether we like it or not, jihadist groups now come from those countries to Niger and even Nigeria.”
Global Implications and U.S. Strategic Interests
The consolidation of terrorist forces in West Africa presents significant challenges for international security. The ISWAP-Boko Haram alliance, combined with broader jihadist cooperation across the Sahel, threatens to create a more sophisticated and coordinated terrorist network capable of launching complex cross-border operations. This development could potentially destabilize a region crucial for containing the spread of violent extremism in Africa and protecting vital U.S. strategic interests.
Security expert Paul Iwugiwei offered a measured assessment of the situation: “This feat is worth celebrating. It shows the power of proactiveness by the military and the reason why working with intelligence reports gives you an edge over the terrorists. From the kind of weapons recovered, one can tell that they use motor bikes to make it easy to navigate the forests bordering Chad and Nigeria. If their footprints can be easily tracked, it will also make it easy to neutralize their routes and prevent other terrorists from journeying across the borders to wreak havoc,” Iwugiwei told TruthNigeria.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Regional Defense
The recent operation highlights both the successes and challenges facing regional security forces. Lieutenant Colonel Osoba emphasized the MNJTF’s commitment: “This bold operation underscores the MNJTF’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people in the Lake Chad region. It reflects the joint decision of Nigeria and Chad to combat terrorism in the region,” Iwugiwei told TruthNigeria.
The victory in Lake Chad demonstrates the potential effectiveness of multinational cooperation, but experts warn that sustained success will require expanded regional security frameworks and increased international support. As terrorist groups adapt and forge new alliances, the international community faces mounting pressure to bolster West African nations’ capacity to counter these evolving threats.
The emerging pattern of terrorist collaboration in the Sahel presents a clear challenge to regional stability and global security interests. While the MNJTF’s recent success provides hope, it also underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation and support in combating this growing threat to West African security and global peace.
Commenting on the threat jihadists alliance poses to the Sahel and West African region, Dr. Walid Abdullahi has this to say; “This is why I think that Sahelian countries must unite and take the multinational joint task force more seriously. In fact, the scope of the joint task force needs to be expanded to include Mali and Burkina Faso because, whether we like it or not, jihadist groups now come from those countries to Niger and even Nigeria; Lakurawa is a typical example, Abdullahi told TruthNigeria.
Steven Kefas and Segun Onibiyo are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria
