EU retools military for better insurgency fight

The European Union (EU) has supported the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with surveillance and fighting equipment to enhance its counter-insurgency operations in Lake Chad region.

The N’Djamena-based outfit comprises troops from Cameroun, Chad, Nigeria and Benin.

In a statement yesterday, the task force’s Chief of Military Public Information, Col. Muhammad Dole, said the backing was in the area of command, control, communication and information system (C3IS).

He said training had been organised by service providers and the task force for personnel for better handling of the tools.While commending the international agency for the gesture, Force Commander of MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, said the C3IS weapons were ‘most critical’ to enhancing operational performance on the frontlines.

“These equipment were closely related to the recent provision of helicopters and petroleum oil and lubricants (POL) through the framework of African Union to MNJTF,” he said.

Yusuf added that the weapon would aid dissemination of classified messages via secure media.He commended the telecommunications firms for their resilience and sucess of the project.

The commander assured the EU that supports would be optimally utilised in deference to global best practices for efficiency of the troops.

Yusuf charged sector commanders on utilisation, maintenance and safety of the equipment. “The trainees are to pay attention and apply themselves fully to procedures and processes to end this war,” he urged.

The military chief continued: “You’ll be the ones to install the C3IS equipment at the sector level.

“MNJTF has taken steps to provide alternative power supply at the sector headquarters to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the communication equipment.

“When completed, the C3IS system is to enable rapid deployment of strategic and operational communication capabilities within the MNJTF Area of Operation.”