On Wednesday, 9th September 2015, some select Defence correspondents had an interview with Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, Major General Iliya Abba in Gamboru Ngala shortly after the hosting the Nigerian Flag by Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai. Major General Abba who took over from the current Chief of Army Staff, speaks about what he had done since assumption of office, cooperation among countries in the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBD, contribution of troops, pledges made by countries outside LCBD, challenges of logistics and training and more. JIBRIN BABA NDACE was there
How has been the task within the MNJTF Area of Responsibility, AOR?
Yes, Gamboru Ngala falls with MNJTF, AOR. As the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai earlier said the Chadians who were part of the MNJTF were in Gamboru Ngala, but was later abandoned and it took a lot of effort by the Nigerian Army to recapture the place from Boko Haram. And it will continue to remain under the control of the Nigerian Army until MNJTF takes over.
What have you done differently since assumption of office?
Well, I think I have done a lot. The main effort is ensure that we get all the countries that have agreed to join the component of the MNJTF together. If you recall, head of states of the countries participating in the MNJTF, met and brought the idea of the MNJTF, but the details of how MNJTF should function was not followed. Having assumed the Command of MNJTF, I felt it was necessary to go to the field and that is why I am equally here (Gamboru Ngala). I have already been to Niger Republic and now I am here (Gamboru Ngala). And I will be proceeding to Camerountomorrow, to also take over the command of troops in Cameroun into the MNJTF. It is then that I will settle down for business. Then, I would have known exactly the problems on ground. And I think there are a lot of problems and we are going to find solution.
What is the level of cooperation among participating countries?
So far very perfect in the areas I have been to. I have met with Presidents of the countries I have visited and they have given me assurance of cooperation of their troops. And I have seen that the level of cooperation among the participating countries is very high.
What is the strength of the troops under MNJTF?
Under command on paper, the strength of the troops is 7, 700. But I assure you, there a lot of gaps that would require more soldiers to fill. And I am going to put a request forward and I believe it would be approved, so that there would be more soldiers to block all existing gaps.
How soon would the MNJTF take over Gamboru Ngala from Nigerian Army?
As soon as we start operating.
Have countries that promised to support MNJTF redeemed their pledges?
Well, so far, you know that the LCBD is an organisation of some member states and this kind of security challenge has never occur within the area. That is why there are no standing troops to carry out any operation. Yes, there are countries that made pledges, but these pledges would come through the African Union, AU. For instance, SANSAN, which is the Sahel organisation have made of $I.5 million dollars to the poorest countries of the LCBD which include Benin Republic, Niger Republic and Chad. Already these countries have received $500,000 each.
What is Nigeria bringing to the table?
Nigeria is bringing a lot. Already, Nigeria has released the sum of 21 million dollars for the setting up of headquarters. And that is what we are working with now.
Do you think that the synergy between Nigeria and other participating countries has to do with the recent victory recorded by Nigerian Troops?
Well, I can say yes to a large extent. In addition to that, is the fact that economic and social activities of these countries are suffering as a result of insurgency. As you know, most of these countries depend on Nigeria for their essential needs and therefore, if they can’t come together with Nigeria to solve this security challenge once and for all we will continue to suffer. And I think they will suffer more.
What are the challenges ahead?
The challenges ahead include logistics and training for our troops. That is what we want to concentrate on. As you know some of the countries participating in the operation are not well to do. The issue of funding for logistics is a huge challenge. Many countries have made pledges; I’m sure once MNJTF is fully operational they would redeem their pledges.
There has been concern among LCBD members states about contribution of troops to MNJTF. What would happen in case any participating countries refuse to contribute as promised?
I think so far all the member states have contributed and the troops are on ground. And that is why I am going round to take over the command of the troops. I was in Fotokol today (Wednesday 9th September 2015) to take over Chad troops contributed to MNJTF by Chadian Armed Forces. And we had a very good meeting. And tomorrow, I will be Yaoundé to do the same for Cameroonian troops.
