Multinational Joint Task Force
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| Multinational Joint Task Force | |
|---|---|
 Badge | |
| Active | 1994–present |
| Countries | |
| Type | Multinational force |
| Role | Combined operations |
| Size | 7,500–10,000 |
| Headquarters | N'Djamena, Chad |
| Engagements | |
| Website | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major General Ibrahim Ali |
| Notable commanders |
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The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is a combined multinational formation, comprising units, mostly military, from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria. It is headquartered in N'Djamena and is mandated to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. Niger was a member until its withdrawal in 2025.
The task force was first organized as a solely Nigerian force in 1994, during the administration of Sani Abacha, to "checkmate banditry activities and to facilitate free movement" along its northern border.[1][2] In 1998 it was expanded to include units from neighboring Chad and Niger with the purpose of dealing with common cross-border security issues in the Lake Chad region, with its headquarters in the town of Baga, Borno State.[2]
Islamist groups grew and expanded their operations during the 2000s and early 2010s. Boko Haram's insurgency began in 2009, and security forces across the region were increasingly directly challenged by jihadist militant groups. Boko Haram and Ansaru were the most active and well known. In April 2012, the MNJTF's mandate was expanded to encompass counter-terrorism operations.[2]
Brig. Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti, son of Beko Ransome-Kuti and nephew of the musician Fela Kuti was a previous commander of the force.[1]