The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that Niger Republic has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), noting that such a move would have serious security implications for both countries.
Set up in March 1994 by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to combat insecurity in the region, the MNJTF comprises military units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja, clarified that the MNJTF remains a critical regional security collaboration and that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.
He reiterated that such a move would not be in the interest of either Nigeria or Niger Republic.
Kangye also assured the public that the security forces remain focused on apprehending the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
He dismissed claims that the military had downscaled operations against herdsmen, terrorists and cattle rustlers, among others.