By Sumaila Ogbaje
Egypt has pledged support and cooperation for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Egyptian Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, Amb. Tarek Youssef, made the pledge during a visit to the MNJTF Headquarters, alongside Egypt’s Defence Attaché to Chad and Sudan, Staff Col. Ahmed Gamal El-Barbary.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer for MNJTF, Lit.-Col. Ikedichi Iweha, on Thursday in N’Djamena, Chad.
Youssef described the MNJTF as a model multinational force worthy of support and replication, commending its role in addressing terrorism and cross-border security challenges among Lake Chad Basin countries.
He sought clarifications on the operational command structure of troops contributed by member states.
Also speaking, El-Barbary said Egypt was willing to facilitate training, equipment support and enhanced operational cooperation with the MNJTF.
He recalled Egypt’s longstanding cordial relations with Lake Chad Basin Commission countries and pledged continued assistance to the force.
Responding, the MNJTF Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Saidu Tanko Audu, thanked the Egyptian delegation for the visit, describing it as timely and encouraging.
Audu highlighted MNJTF’s achievements, including the degradation of Boko Haram and the facilitation of the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their communities.
He traced the evolution of the MNJTF and its adoption by the African Union as a model force for addressing shared security threats, noting that the task force would leverage Egypt’s experience in counter-terrorism.
The force commander called for support in intelligence sharing, counter-IED operations and unmanned aerial vehicle jamming capabilities, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
