Recharging Lake Chad critical to war against terrorism in North East — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said recharging the Lake Chad is vital to the military’s efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria’s North East region. General Musa made the remark on Thursday during a reassessment visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri. […]

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said recharging the Lake Chad is vital to the military’s efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria’s North East region.

General Musa made the remark on Thursday during a reassessment visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.

He was accompanied by other top security chiefs.

According to the CDS, the planned clearance and recharging of Lake Chad will remove obstacles across the waterway, allowing for increased naval operations and the strategic elimination of terrorist elements operating in and around the lake.

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“We are looking forward to holding another meeting focused on clearing all obstacles in Lake Chad and recharging it. This is very important to our ongoing efforts against insecurity,” he said.

General Musa noted that the lake holds economic and security significance for the region, providing livelihoods for over 50 million people across four countries and the potential to create jobs for up to 20 million youths.

Commenting on the recent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP on military formations and communities in Borno and Yobe states, General Musa described the incidents as a temporary setback.

“What we are witnessing is an eclipse — a reaction to pressure on terrorist groups in the Sahel, which has forced them to shift focus toward the Lake Chad Basin, where borders are porous. We are working diligently to address these challenges,” he said.

He assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, are actively responding to the renewed threats and will soon deploy new strategies and sophisticated weaponry to strengthen their counterterrorism campaign.

“I was in Borno three weeks ago with the ministers of defence and other service chiefs to assess the security situation. I returned now to reassess and consult with stakeholders. These recent attacks should not cause alarm; we are fully in control,” he said.

The CDS urged all Nigerians to support the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, stating that security is a shared responsibility.

General Musa also called on journalists covering the theatre of operations to support the military by highlighting success stories rather than focusing solely on the negative actions of insurgents.

“While constructive criticism is necessary, the promotion of our gains will boost the morale of troops risking their lives daily for national peace,” he said.

The visit comes amid a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram on military locations in Sabon Gari, Buni-Gari, Goniri, Izge, Yamtake, Wulgo, Marte, Dikwa and Rann in Yobe and Borno states.