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By Abdullahi Inuwa
In a strategic move to bolster security and revitalize economic activities in the Lake Chad region, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has received five high-capacity swamp buggies, courtesy of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Borno State Government.
The formal handover ceremony took place on July 2 at the Navy Base, Lake Chad Fish Dam, where the buggies were officially commissioned by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, who represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The donation is a major boost to MNJTF’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and counter terrorism, particularly in hard-to-reach swampy terrains. The specialized buggies are designed for challenging riverine operations, enabling forces to clear waterways, improve navigation, and restore access for fishing, trade, and local mobility.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Kadafur reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Borno State’s political leadership and the NEDC to peacebuilding across the Lake Chad Basin. “These swamp buggies will not only enhance MNJTF’s ability to secure our borders, but also stimulate economic life by reopening critical river routes and boosting local livelihoods,” he said.
He emphasized that the donation aligns with the broader stabilization strategy for the North East and reflects the shared resolve to drive out insecurity and bring development closer to communities.
The MNJTF Force Commander, Major General Godwin Mutkut, lauded the gesture and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Borno State Government and the NEDC. He said the swamp buggies will significantly enhance the Task Force’s operational capacity, especially in riverine environments that have long posed logistical challenges.
“These assets will improve our mobility and tactical reach, allowing us to access remote terrorist hideouts and swiftly respond to threats,” Mutkut stated. “This delivery is not just equipment—it’s a symbol of solidarity and a practical demonstration of the collective will to reclaim peace in the region.”
The Force Commander also acknowledged the consistent backing of member countries and regional stakeholders, whose support, he said, has been instrumental in sustaining the Task Force’s momentum in its counter-terrorism campaign.
The ceremony brought together top dignitaries and security stakeholders, including the Governor of the Region of Lake Chad, General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, senior MNJTF commanders, traditional rulers, and officials from both Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
General Tidjani praised the cross-border coordination and pledged continued cooperation in achieving lasting peace. “This initiative underscores our joint resolve to rebuild the Lake Chad region—militarily, economically, and socially,” he said.
Traditional leaders and community representatives also welcomed the donation, describing it as a catalyst for resuming fishing, farming, and commerce that once thrived before insurgency devastated the area.
For years, the Lake Chad region has suffered from insecurity, displacement, and economic decline due to persistent terrorist activity and environmental challenges. The swampy terrain of the basin has often hindered military operations and isolated communities from aid and commerce.
The arrival of the swamp buggies is expected to change that narrative by opening up water routes, improving troop movement, and enabling humanitarian access to previously unreachable locations.
According to local sources, many displaced residents are hopeful that the improved security environment will soon allow them to return home and rebuild their lives.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Public Information Officer for the MNJTF, who issued the official press statement, said the event demonstrated the growing synergy between civilian authorities and military formations in the region.
“This united front sends a strong message to terrorists and criminal elements—we are coordinated, we are resolute, and we will restore peace,” Osoba said.
He added that the MNJTF remains committed to its mandate of defeating terrorism, restoring territorial integrity, and fostering conditions for sustainable development across the four Lake Chad Basin countries: Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
As the Lake Chad Basin continues to recover from years of insurgency and economic disruption, the donation of the swamp buggies signals a crucial turning point — where peace is no longer just a dream but a goal within reach.
With enhanced mobility, improved collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose, the MNJTF and its partners are proving that with the right tools and shared determination, the region can rise from crisis to stability.
The eyes of the world now turn toward Lake Chad, where a coordinated fight against terror is slowly giving way to a future of safety, prosperity, and resilience.
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