On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Federal Government, through Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), called for the [Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_Joint_Task_Force_(Lake_Chad)) to be repositioned so it can more effectively counter the shifting security threats across the [Lake Chad Basin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Chad). The announcement was delivered at the National Defence College in Abuja during the opening of a High‑Level International Forum on the MNJTF and security in the Lake Chad region.
**Why was the repositioning deemed necessary?**
The minister noted that the security landscape in the basin has altered dramatically since the MNJTF was created eleven years ago, requiring a more flexible and forward‑looking strategy. He urged participants to move beyond reviewing past performance and instead focus on how the force can be realigned for the next decade.
**What challenges does the force currently face?**
Gen. Musa acknowledged that the MNJTF is confronting new dynamics in the Sahel and that some international partners have modified their support, complicating operational planning. He described the forum’s theme – “Repositioning the MNJTF to Effectively Combat Evolving Threat Dynamics in the Lake Chad Region” – as timely given these pressures.
**What role did the Chief of Defence Staff play?**
Earlier in the session, the [Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede](https://defence.gov.ng) highlighted the gathering as an opportunity for practitioners, policymakers, academics and strategic partners to reflect on the MNJTF’s experience and ongoing relevance. He also advocated for institutionalising regular reviews of the force to ensure it remains adaptable, fit for purpose and aligned with the changing security environment.
**What is expected moving forward?**
Both officials called for a structured mechanism to assess and adjust the MNJTF’s mandate, resources and deployment patterns on an ongoing basis, aiming to sustain its effectiveness as threats continue to evolve throughout the Lake Chad region.