Personality in Focus
MNJTF Achieving Stability in Lake Chad Basin, Ten Months into Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali’s Command
By Abubakar Abdullahi
In the heart of Africa, the Lake Chad Basin serves as lifeblood for tens of millions, a unique ecological sanctuary, and a linchpin in regional stability. This expansive area, touching Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, is more than a geographical feature; it’s the cradle of biodiversity, agriculture, and cultures that have thrived for centuries. Amidst its abundant resources, however, the region has faced its share of turmoil, exacerbated by the shadow of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. Yet, hope glimmers on the horizon, significantly attributed to the efforts and successes of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) over the past ten months.
The importance of the Lake Chad Basin cannot be overstated. It underpins the livelihoods of over 30 million people, offering water, fish, livestock grazing, and irrigation for agriculture. But beyond its economic significance, Lake Chad is a vital ecological habitat, home to diverse species and acting as a buffer against desertification. This multifaceted utility of the Lake Chad Basin underscores the imperative of preserving its stability and prosperity. However, the specter of insecurity, primarily due to the insurgent activities of Boko Haram and its offshoots, has cast a long shadow over the region. The resulting humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and at risk of starvation, has necessitated a robust response. Enter the MNJTF, a coalition of forces from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin Republic, established with the purpose of counteracting the threat posed by these insurgent groups.
In the last ten months, the MNJTF under the command of Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali has made commendable strides in restoring peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin. Its multifaceted approach, combining kinetic and non-kinetic efforts, has proven effective. Notable successes include the dislodgement of insurgents from its strongholds, rescue of hostages, and reductions in the frequency and severity of attacks in the region. These military victories have been complemented by efforts to secure returnees and facilitate humanitarian assistance, reflecting a comprehensive strategy towards lasting peace. Moreover, the MNJTF has played a major role in facilitating the return of displaced persons and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas by other state actors. Infrastructure, once devastated by years of conflict, is being rehabilitated, and community resilience initiatives are being introduced, aiming at not just recovery but a sustainable improvement in quality of life. These efforts signify a beacon of hope for the basin’s future, symbolizing a turn towards stability and prosperity.
The MNJTF has achieved considerable success in kinetic operations aimed at eliminating remnants of Boko Haram and other terrorist factions in the Lake Chad Basin. Between July 2023 and April 2024, a significant victory was achieved with 299 terrorists being neutralized, 273 surrendering and 337 arrested for further investigation across different sectors. The operations also led to the recovery of various arms and ammunition, including 20 AK-47 rifles, 4 machine guns, 5 hand grenades, and 35 magazines, among various personal items. Additionally, the troops recovered 1,416 rounds of ammunition of different calibers. These operations, carried out within their national territories by the sectors, have significantly degraded the terrorists’ ability to launch large-scale attacks on the Lake, forcing them instead to resort to hit-and-run tactics against isolated civilian targets.
Likewise, the MNJTF has conducted Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic approach to break the cycle of terror. This psychological operation was tailored to foster surrender and disrupt unity among the terrorist factions. Operation NASHRUL SALAM disseminated messages across the Lake Chad region in 5 languages: Kanuri, Hausa, Arabic, French, and English, to ensure widespread comprehension. These tailored messages were air-dropped over specific islands known to harbour terrorists, targeting them directly in their hideouts. The operation’s impact was profound, culminating in a significant number of terrorists surrendering. This wave of capitulation not only weakened the terrorists’ resolve but also led to the recovery of a variety of arms and ammunition, which were surrendered to the troops.
The success of Operation NASHRUL SALAM underscores the effectiveness of psychological operations in counter-terrorism efforts, showcasing the power of communication in undermining terror networks and encouraging peace.
Operation NASHRUL SALAM is not the sole non-kinetic initiative aimed at enhancing stability in the Lake Chad region. Supported by its partner, the European Union, the MNJTF has executed Quick Impact Projects throughout the four sectors of the MNJTF. In particular, after successful kinetic operations, over 3,200 residents of the Bagatelerom community in Chad have returned to their ancestral homes, with MNJTF personnel assisting their resettlement in partnership with relevant agencies. Additionally, the revival of fishing activities, previously hindered by security concerns in the region, marks a significant turnaround. Moreover, within the year, farmers in the Baga community have received agricultural tools and benefited from the installation of more than ten irrigation boreholes to bolster food security in the area. These efforts underscore our modest yet impactful contributions toward enhancing the socio-economic conditions within the Lake Chad Basin Region. Over the last ten months, we have carried out 95 Quick Impact Projects in 31 communities around Lake Chad, spanning water and sanitation, health, and education sectors.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support provided by the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The Commission took a lead role in convening a meeting of the Council of Chiefs of Defence Staff and Ministers of Defence from the Troop Contributing Countries in N’Djamena, Chad, from 11 to 15 March 2024. This council acknowledged the need to initiate Operation LAKE SANITY 2 to thwart any terrorist attempts to regroup and to capitalize on the progress already achieved. This strategic deliberation paved the way for the launch of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 on 23 April 2024. Since the operation’s commencement, the troops have exhibited a high level of dedication to achieving the mission’s objectives, showcasing their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
Operation LAKE SANITY 2 is poised to significantly compliment various national operations and solidify the multinational joint efforts of the MNJTF. The troops have demonstrated unparalleled dedication to achieving their mission, a sentiment warmly echoed by the local communities, who have greeted the forces with open arms and cheers—a clear sign of their support. This local backing aligns with the Force Commander’s repeated calls for community engagement across different sectors within the MNJTF Area of operations, highlighting the operation’s importance and the critical role of local support in its success.
This collaborative success story of MNJTF under Maj Gen IS Ali serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when nations unite against a common threat. As we look forward, it’s imperative that the successes of the MNJTF are built upon. Continued international support, coupled with sustained commitment from the member states, is indispensable. The Lake Chad Basin, with its profound importance to ecological balance, economic sustenance, and cultural heritage, deserves no less. The strides made by the MNJTF in restoring stability are but the first steps on the long road to comprehensive recovery and development. The future of the Lake Chad Basin hinges on the continuation of these concerted efforts to ensure that this vital region can fully realize its potential as a cradle of prosperity and peace.
Abubakar Abdullahi is a Lieutenant Colonel, and the Chief Public Information Officer, Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force, Ndjamena, Chad Republic.
Personality in Focus
CINI Boss, Habeeb Okunola Bags Canadian Excellence Award for Philanthropy, Community Devt
The Chief Executive Officer, CINI Holdings Limited, High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, has honoured with an excellence award by the Mayor of Brampton, in Canada.
The award was in recognition of the business man’s commitment to community development, and excellent philanthropic gestures to humanity.
The presentation of the excellence award, which took place at the CINI Holdings Ikoyi Lagos Office, proved to be significant as the Mayor of Brampton, His Lordship Mayor Patrick Brown, who was represented by Mr. Richard Forward, Senior Manager of Financial Advisory Services at the Corporate Budget Office of the City of Brampton, was present.
In his entourage were Mr. Imadu Maurice, an adviser and community engagement specialist from the Mayor’s Office, and Mrs. Kehinde Adelaja-Okoroafor, the Founder of the Make Mee Elegant Foundation.
While bestowing the honour on High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR, who is also the Akosin of Yoruba Land, they duo noted in separate remarks that the awardee’s track record in community development and acts of outstanding philanthropy, have set him apart as a thoroughbred and deserving of the honour.
High Chief Habeeb’s philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted many lives, and this recognition was also accompanied by a letter sealed by the Mayor, acknowledging his commitment to economic development, community advancement also his unwavering support for the African Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) in Canada earlier this year.
Mayor Brown expressed his deep commitment to fostering partnerships with dedicated Nigerians both at home and abroad, particularly in areas of human capital development, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
“With a vibrant Nigerian community comprising approximately 12,000 residents in Brampton, it is crucial to spotlight individuals like High Chief Habeeb, who are making a tangible difference in the welfare of others. His philanthropic spirit embodies the values of compassion and community service that the Mayor seeks to promote.” the Mayor said in his speech.
In a gesture of appreciation and collaboration, Mayor Brown extended an invitation to High Chief Habeeb to join him and his entourage for next year’s African Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) event, which the City of Brampton will host. This event aims to further enhance economic ties, empower one thousand women and celebrate the contributions of the African Diaspora to Canadian society.
In his response, an elated Okunola thanked the organizers for his recognising his ‘little’ contributions to the growth of humanity, and promised to do more to put smiles on the faces of people whenever he could.
By Eric Elezuo
Segun Awolowo was not only revered as the grandson of the late nationalist and one-time Premier of the Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was a toast of the Nigerian social and entrepreneurial circle, holding the enviable position of the president, National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States, till that fateful Thursday, November 20, 2025, when death struck.
Announcing his demise, at the age of 62, via a statement, the Awolowo family noted that “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
To those, who had doubts as the news filtered in, were convinced that the unassuming legal practitioner and businessman par excellence, was actually gone. The tears that followed were unprecedented, coupled with an avalanche of mourners and early callers to his Ikoyi home, and the home of his mother, to offer heartfelt condolences.
Named after his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died at the age of 25, two months before his birth on September 27, 1963, the young Segun became a child of destiny from day one, a destiny he struggled pleasantly to fulfill.
Having lived with his mum, Abba Folawiyo till age of early education, Segun moved in with his aunt and uncle, Tola and Kayode Oyediran, in whose custody he began and concluded early primary education.
It would be recalled as part of his achievements in office, in June 2019, the NEPC under his leadership planned a partnership with retail company, Shoprite for the latter to export Nigerian products to other African countries and beyond. He also drove the Zero Oil Plan, as an economic blueprint for Nigeria, launched in 2016.
He engaged to promote the plan with the private sector, relevant government institutions and international development partners and businesses. Zero Oil is a part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), a medium-term plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
His Zero Oil plan is to increase the country’s export by increasing production of homemade goods, moving from the export of raw materials to value-added products so as to increase the foreign-exchange revenue, to promote the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad, and to create jobs. It aims to generating $30 billion in foreign-exchange earnings.
Since his death on Thursday, condolences, tributes and sympathy messages have continued to flood in, filling the media spaces, and reminiscing on the good life he lived, and the positive impact he had on other lives.
SEGUN DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF AS A SCION OF THE AWOLOWO FAMILY – TINUBU
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu, expressed deep condolences on the demise of Segun Awolowo. The statement reads:
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President says.
“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
HE WAS AFFABLE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, AND EXTREMELY EASY-GOING – GOV DAPO ABIODUN
While mourning the departed, governor of his home state, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, described his passing as a deeply profound personal loss, and a rude shock.
He referred to him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and would forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.
According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom.
“We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.
HE WAS A PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN – GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his part, described the Segun Awolowo as a patriotic Nigerian, who served his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu, also condoled with friends and his associates, describing his death as shocking and great loss to the country.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest,” he said.
HE WAS A BRILLIANT LAWYER, WHO INSPIRED MANY NIGERIANS – SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his condolence message, described Segun Awolowo as a brilliant lawyer, who inspired many Nigerians to reach greater heights in life, adding that his death is a major blow to the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a nation.
Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, that “The news of the demise of my friend and brother, Segun, came to me unexpectedly.
“I am in shock. But who are we to question the decision of our Creator? He determines when we arrive and when we depart.”
Akpabio noted that Segun’s legacy as a brilliant lawyer, devoted family man, and compassionate individual would continue to inspire many.
“On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace, and that his family, friends, and associates find strength in the cherished memories he leaves behind.
“May God grant the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear this loss, and may Segun’s legacy continue to inspire us all.”
The date and process of his burial is yet to be announced.
One of the founders of Newswatch magazine, Chief Dan Agbese, is dead.
According to a statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, he died on Monday.
“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.”
“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.
“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
“Born May 12, 1944 in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.
He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was until April 2010 its Editor-in-Chief.
“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
“He is survived by his wife , Chief Rose Agbese, their six children, and seven grandchildren.”
