MNJTF Commander Vows to End Boko Haram Insurgency in Borno State

The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Saidu Audu, has assured the Borno State Government that Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups operating in the Lake Chad region are nearing defeat.

Audu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri as part of his familiarisation tour following his assumption of office on November 13, 2025.

The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Ikedichi Oweha.

According to Audu, the visit was aimed at engaging the governor as a key stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin Commission Governors’ Forum and appreciating the Borno State Government for its sustained support of MNJTF operations. He said the task force had developed a comprehensive strategy to confront Boko Haram and other armed groups by taking the fight directly to their enclaves.

The MNJTF commander reaffirmed that the force would continue to operate in line with its overarching strategic objectives to restore peace and security across the Lake Chad region.

He noted that ongoing operations by MNJTF troops and partner forces showed clear signs that the Boko Haram insurgency and related security challenges were close to being brought to an end.

In his response, Governor Zulum congratulated Audu on his appointment and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the MNJTF in the execution of its mandate. He praised the military and other security agencies for their continued efforts, which he said had helped lay the groundwork for peace and development in Borno State.

The governor recalled the state’s past logistical and operational support to security agencies, including its contributions to the success of MNJTF operations such as Operation Lake Sanity I and II.

Zulum described Audu as a disciplined and proactive officer with high integrity, expressing confidence that his leadership would further strengthen the MNJTF.

He urged the force commander to intensify operations in the Lake Chad islands and tumbus, which he identified as ungoverned areas often used by terrorists as hideouts during military pressure. He also called for sustained deployments, particularly on the Nigerian side, to deny insurgents safe havens and freedom of movement.

The governor assured the MNJTF of the Borno State Government’s continued support despite competing demands on its limited resources.