The European Union (EU); has supported Multinational Joint Task Force
(MNJTF) with surveillance and fighting equipment to enhance
counter-insurgency operations in Lake Chad region.
The N’Djamena based MNJTF, comprises troops of Cameroon, Chad,
Nigerian and Benin in fighting Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many
lives and property in region.
Over a decade long insurgency, has claimed 36,000 lives with property
worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe
states.
According to task force, the EU supported equipment include command,
control, communication and information system (C3IS).
Chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Col. Muhammad Dole; in
a statement Tuesday in N’Dajmena, Chad disclosed that C3IS is to
enhance troops’ operational efficiency against terrorism in region.
He said training had been jointly organised by service providers and
MNJTF for personnel that would operate the C3IS equipment across
military sectors.
While commending the EU, the Force Commander of MNJTF, Maj-Gen.
Ibrahim Yusuf, said that C3IS equipment, is the ‘most critical;’ to
enhance operational performance of troops in front lines
“These equipment, were closely related to the recent provision of
Helicopters and Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) through the
framework of African Union to MNJTF,” he said.
He added that the C3IS would also enable the sending out of classified
messages and communication through the secured net.
According commended the service providers for the display of
resilience and vigour in the execution of the project.
He therefore; assured the EU that all the support provided would be
optimally utilised in accordance with the global best practices to
enhance the operational efficiency of troops.
He urged the Sector Commanders to ensure proper utilisation,
maintenance and safety of the equipment.
“The trainees are to pay attention and apply themselves fully to the
training procedures and processes to end this war,” he said, adding
that they are expected to learn and strictly understand how to operate
the equipment.
He continued: “You’ll be the ones to install the C3IS equipment at the
sector level.
“MNJTF has taken steps to provide alternative power supply at the
Sector Headquarters to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the
communication equipment.
“When completed, the C3IS system is expected to enable rapid
deployment of strategic and operational communication capabilities
within the MNJTF Area of Operation.”
