The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, on Tuesday confirmed that Niger Republic and the Republic of Chad had withdrawn their troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force base following increase in the activities of the Boko Haram sect.
The countries’ decision to withdraw their troops followed the attack carried out by members of the sect on the MJTF base located just outside Baga town in Borno State last Friday.
The base was being manned by troops from Nigeria, Niger, and Chad to interdict criminal activity in the Lake Chad area.
It was expanded in 2014 to curtail the activities of members of the sect in the area where the borders of the three countries intersect.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of an expanded emergency security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Badeh said the two countries have not contributed troops to Baga, leaving only Nigerian troops at the base.
He said, “What has been happening is that they(Niger and Chad) have not contributed people to the point of Baga. Chad had people on their own side but I believe they have withdrawn.
“Niger had people with us. They too withdrew and left Nigeria only at the Multinational Joint Task Force Headquarters.”
Badeh said although he wished the border could be closed, it could be difficult closing such a large border.
“I wish it (the border) could be closed, but how do you close such a very large border? And it is not for military to close border anyway,” he said.
The security chief also confirmed that there was an attack on the military base in Baga but insisted that the military was at work to reclaim the town.
Although he boasted that the town would be reclaimed, Badeh refrained from giving a timeframe.
The following conversation ensued between the security chief and journalists as he made into his waiting official car:
What about the attack on the military base at Baga?
Of course, there was an attack.
What happened?
Don’t worry. We are at work.
Can we take back Baga?
Why not?
How soon?
I can’t give you that one. I can’t give you exactly what is going to happen.
When asked what Nigerians should expect in terms of security in the New Year, Badeh said, “It will improve by God’s grace and we are working.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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