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.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim, has commiserated with the family of late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (retd) on the death of the former military administrator.
In a condolence statement signed by the Minister himself, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Senator Gaidam lauded the fallen soldier, saying that his contributions to nation building will not be forgotten.
Olubolade died in the early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025.
Below is the detailed message:
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE NAVY CAPTAIN CALEB OLUBOLADE (RTD)
I, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami, offer condolences to the people and government of Nigeria, especially the Olubolade family, on the death of former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (Rtd), who died today.
The Ministry and Police community share this moment of grief and sorrow with the family, the people of the state, and the entire country. When offering condolences to a statesman, it is important to acknowledge the significance of his contributions and the impact of his passing on the nation.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true leader and dedicated servant to our nation. His legacy will live on through his tireless efforts and commitment to the people. This is a profound loss for our country. Captain Olubolade’s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the security sector will be remembered.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership inspire generations to come.
In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Olukayode. His contributions to our nation will not be forgotten.
A Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has been honoured with membership status of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), University of the West of England, United Kingdom.
The recognition is coming on the heels of Ogunsan’s indefatigable commitment and unrelenting advocacy and support for quality education across all levels.
Dr. Ogunsan’s unflinching interest in education glaringly shows in his active participation as Board Member of Center for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL) in Nigeria’s frontline university, University of Lagos; as Chairman of AKEM Foundation, a nonprofit which has provided millions of naira within two (2) years to support schools and NGOs who provide education access for free to children in underserved communities in Nigeria; and in several individual sponsorships to ensure that the future is brighter for children. His personal story of prominence polished out of adversity continues to propel him forward.
This commitment is well-captured in the letter of Jo Midgley, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of the University of the West of England, UK who communicated the news of the appointment to the advisory board.
The academic, Jo Midgley highlighted about Dr. Ogunsan, ‘Your extensive experience and contributions to Africa’s higher education sector through training university leaders and teaching personnel, as well as your Board Membership of the Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Lagos, Nigeria will make you an invaluable member of our CASET’s Advisory Board.’
‘As a Board member, you will play a crucial role in shaping CASET’s strategic direction, providing high-level support and guidance on stakeholder engagement strategies and knowledge dissemination efforts, helping to foster impactful collaborations and partnerships, and ensuring that the Centre’s initiatives align with the evolving needs of Africa’s social and economic landscape’, the letter stated about the expectations for the technocrat Ogunsan.
The higher institution, University of the West of England, United Kingdom also added the reason for appointing Dr. Ayo Ogunsan as Member of the Advisory Board of our Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET). They noted that they are guided by the University’s ethos of enterprise and collaboration, thus ‘the Centre is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities in Africa through strategic partnerships and transformative education and training programmes, research, evidence-based policymaking, social and cultural engagement geared towards finding practical solutions to regional social and economic challenges.’
‘We will be honoured to have you as part of our highly respected and esteemed group of experts and thought leaders.’
Midgley added that the Advisory Board convenes annually, with meetings held virtually and occasionally in person at the University of the West of England UK or in Africa where feasible.
He noted that Ogunsan’s insights and participation would be instrumental in helping CASET to achieve its mission of fostering transformative social and economic change through capacity building, research priorities, evidence-based policy and innovation.
The Registral said that Advisory Board Members were not employees of the University including CASET adding that his term as a board member would commence in June 2025 and run for a renewable period of three years on a non-remuneration basis.
“Renewal of board membership is subject to members’ continuing support, integrity and commitment to always being a good ambassador in advancing CASET’s mission.
“We will be honoured to have you as part of our highly respected and esteemed group of experts and thought leaders.
“We also appreciate your willingness to contribute to our mission and look forward to your valuable contribution to advancing CASET’s vision for transformative change in Africa,” he said in the letter.
It was gathered that Ogunasn is a prominent figure in the education sector, his expertise spans entrepreneurs hip, security management, and education, and he is widely acknowledged for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Source: Trek Africa
Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but also a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.
The new Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis, to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, charged with advising the pontiff on new bishop appointments.
The sign of confidence from Francis speaks to Prevost’s commitment as a missionary in Peru to the “peripheries” – overlooked areas far from Rome prioritised by Francis – and his reputation as a bridge-builder and moderate within the Curia.
The 69-year-old Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023 after being named Prefect of the Dicastery, one of the Vatican’s most important departments — and a post that introduced him to all key players in the Church.
Vatican watchers had given Prevost the highest chances among the group of US cardinals of being pope, given his pastoral bent, global view and ability to navigate the central bureaucracy.
Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, called him “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken touch.
His strong grounding in canon law has also been seen as reassuring to more conservative cardinals seeking a greater focus on Theology.
Following Francis’s death, Prevost said there was “still so much to do” in the work of the Church.
“We can’t stop, we can’t turn back. We have to see how the Holy Spirit wants the Church to be today and tomorrow, because today’s world, in which the Church lives, is not the same as the world of ten or 20 years ago,” he told Vatican News last month.
“The message is always the same: proclaim Jesus Christ, proclaim the Gospel, but the way to reach today’s people, young people, the poor, politicians, is different,” he said.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost attended a Minor Seminary of the Order of St Augustine in St Louis as a novice before graduating from Philadelphia’s Villanova University, an Augustinian institution, with a degree in Mathematics.
After receiving a masters degree in divinity from Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union in 1982, and a doctorate decree in canon law in Rome, the polyglot joined the Augustinians in Peru in 1985 for the first of his decade-long missions in that country.
Returning to Chicago in 1999, he was made provincial prior of the Augustinians in the US Midwest and later the prior general of the order throughout the world.
But he returned to Peru in 2014 when Francis appointed him as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in the country’s north.
Nearly a decade later, Prevost’s appointment in 2023 as head of the Dicastery came after Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet was accused of sexually assaulting a woman and resigned for age reasons.
The Vatican later dropped the case against Ouellet for insufficient evidence.
Prevost also serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
