SAHARA REPORTERS
The Nigerien junta has ordered the country’s Arm Forces to return to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) after pulling out one year ago.
The Niger military had in the aftermath of toppling democracy in July 2023, abandoned the cooperation, following a threat to invade the country by the President Bola Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday that the decision was taken by the Nigerien authorities after Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa visited his counterpart in Niamey last month.
Badaru, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abubakar Kana, noted that Nigerien troops left MNJTF after a coup d’etat against ousted President Bazoum Mohammed.
“The return of Nigerien troops to the MNJTF will add impetus to the ongoing campaign against Boko Haram terrorists.
“We commend the troops for significantly decimating the terror group and recently freeing 34 captives comprising women and children in the Lake Chad basin,” Badaru said.
He added that the successes recorded by the MNJTF has compelled over 100,000 terrorists to surrender.
“The Nigerian Government will continue to train the repentant terrorists in various skills and get them integrated into the society,” he said.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
