MNJTF deploys swamp buggies to tackle terrorism, water hyacinths in Lake Chad
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has deployed five swamp buggies to enhance counter-terrorism operations of the military and fishing activities in the Lake Chad region.
The waterways-clearing buggies were donated to the Borno state government by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Presenting the buggies to the task force yesterday at the Baga Naval Base, Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, said, “The deployment of the waterways clearing heavy-duty machines is a political commitment to stabilise the Lake Chad Basin for sustainable peace and development of the four-member countries of Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Niger.
Highlighting the significance of swamp buggy deployment to MNJTF, Kadafur stated, “The water-hyacinth-clogged Lake Chad is to be cleared by swamp buggies to improve accessibility for safe navigation on the Lake Chad waters and other river tributaries in the basin.
Beyond clearing the waterways of the lake, the deputy governor added that accessibility to the cleared waterways will not only tackle terrorism but also restore the means of livelihoods of the IDP returnees and refugees.
He noted that the deployment of the heavy-duty equipment is a symbol of hope and resilience of the people that rely on the Lake Chad waters for their livelihoods and means of commuting to the neighbouring countries.
The MNJTF Commander, Major General Godwin Mutkut, expressed gratitude to the commission and state government for their continued support in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region.
He noted that the deployment of swamp buggies would enhance the task force’s riverine mobility and the operational capacity of the military to fight terrorism in the region.
According to him, the strategic operational support could further improve the task force’s responsiveness to sustain the momentum of tackling insurgency.
Other dignitaries at the buggies deployment event include General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, governor of the region of Lake Chad; senior military commanders of the MNJTF; and traditional rulers of the four member countries.
