MNJTF boss assures end to Boko Haram insurgency

Benedicta Bassey January 20, 2026

Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Commander, Maj.-Gen. Saidu Audu and Borno state Governor Babagana zulum

Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Commander, Maj.-Gen. Saidu Audu, has pledged the end of Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups operating in Borno state.

Audu gave this assurance to the Borno state government during a courtesy visit to Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri as part of his familiarisation tour following his assumption of office on Nov. 13, 2025.

In a State signed on Tuesday by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer of MNJTF, Lt Col Ikedichi Oweha, said the visit was to engage the governor as a key stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin Commission Governors’ Forum and to appreciate the state government’s consistent support to MNJTF operations.

He said the MNJTF had developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the challenges posed by Boko Haram and other non-state actors by taking the fight directly to their enclaves.

The MNJTF commander assured the state government that the force would operate in line with direction to achieve its mandate of restoring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.

“Ongoing efforts by MNJTF troops and partner forces indicate that the end of the Boko Haram insurgency and related security challenges is within reach,” he said.

Responding, the governor congratulated the MNJTF commander on his appointment and reaffirmed the state government’s continued support for the task force in the discharge of its mandate.

Zulum commended the military and other security agencies for their sustained support to the state, noting that their efforts had continued to provide the foundation for peace and development in Borno.

Zulum urged the force commander to intensify operations in the Lake Chad islands and tumbus, popularly exploited by terrorists as hideouts during military pressure.

Zulum also called for sustained deployments on the islands, particularly on the Nigerian side, to deny terrorists freedom of action and safe havens from which they launch attacks on civilian communities.