Counter-Insurgence Operations in the North East Nigeria: The Role of the Multinational Joint Task Force

Abstract

The ability of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to achieve its mandate of eliminating the Boko Haram has remained sceptical. This is largely due to the various inhuman tactics and lack of rules of engagement on the part of the Boko Haram. Rather than defeated, Boko Haram has evolved into a new type of threat and is still managing to carry out attacks almost on daily basis. In view of the above therefore, the paper seek to interrogate the role of MNJTF operations in countering the activities of Boko Haram in the North East Nigeria. The paper adopts survey research design with data generated from primary source through the use of questionnaire, while secondary sources like books, library materials, journals were also utilized. The paper used Regional Security Complex Theory as its frame work of analysis. The paper observed that territorial control in the Northeast and threatening the security of nations of the Lake Chad Basin was a driving force that led to the creation of Multi-National Joint Force to oversee the defeat of Boko Haram. MNJTF has achieved some successes in their various operations. However, they are inadequate and have not substantially assessed the implication of these achievements on the on-going war, hence, the impacts of the MNJTF counter insurgency offensives against the Boko Haram have not been properly situated and interrogated by existing literature. The paper therefore recommends among others that, there is need to strengthen state institution on how to make the policies work effectively. The paper also suggests that countries engaged in the fight against Boko Haram should stay mobilized given the persistence of the threat and the group's capacity to adapt, as well as its resilience. In addition, there is need for more international support from African Union, France, United States of America and United Nations among others to strengthen the capability of the MNJTF to curtail the expansion of the Boko Haram around the Lake Chad basin by deploying installation of high surveillance technologies in the Nation’s borders.