…as MNJTF Force Commander reiterates education key to defeating terrorism in North East
By Nkechi Eze
The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, has underscored the critical role of education in addressing the enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s North East region, particularly in communities vulnerable to terrorist recruitment.
According to an official signed statement by the Chief Military Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Force Commander made this assertion during the commissioning ceremony of 270 classroom chairs donated by the African Union (AU) to Cross Kauwa Primary and Secondary School in Borno State. Represented at the event by the Commander of 19 Brigade, Brigadier General Suleiman Ahmed, General Mutkut stressed that improving access to education significantly reduces the recruitment potential for terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, which often prey on uneducated and disenfranchised youths.
The Force Commander expressed deep appreciation for the AU’s generous intervention, noting that the high-quality chairs would greatly enhance the learning environment for children in the area. He emphasized that empowering the next generation through education is vital for building a resilient society capable of resisting extremist ideologies.
“Investing in education and positively engaging the youth are essential steps in shaping a secure and prosperous future. This gesture by the African Union is not just a donation—it is a meaningful investment in the peace and stability of the Lake Chad Basin,” General Mutkut stated.
He also acknowledged the European Union for its contributions to the renovation of a classroom block previously commissioned at the same school, reinforcing the collective efforts of international partners toward improving learning conditions in the region. The recent delivery of 270 desks, he noted, marks another significant milestone in restoring educational infrastructure in communities recovering from conflict.
General Mutkut called on residents across Sector 3 and neighbouring areas to maintain their support and cooperation with MNJTF troops in the ongoing quest for peace. “Together, we can achieve lasting peace in the North East,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Team Leader of the African Union Mission Support Team, Dr. Idam Christiana, reaffirmed the AU’s continued commitment to supporting the MNJTF and advancing the goals of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in the fight against Boko Haram.
“Our partnership with local communities through impactful projects like this is essential for fostering a sustainable environment for peace and development,” Dr. Christiana stated.
The ceremony marked another step in collaborative international efforts to complement military operations with humanitarian and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity in the Lake Chad region.
