By Augustine Ehikioya
For enhancing security in communities in the Lake Chad basin, particularly in Baga, which are recovering from over a decade of Boko Haram terrorism, the residents in the region have expressed deep appreciation to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Security Watch Africa (SWA) got the opinions of residents in the region on the security improvement.
The district head of Baga, Zanna Arjinoma, highlighted the positive impact of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 on various communities in the area.
The district head noted that economic activities have increased since the operation began and educational activities have continued uninterrupted.
Arjinoma commended the MNJTF and national operations for their achievements and highlighted their support for the Baga community, which included providing water boreholes, irrigation facilities, and improving educational infrastructure.
Also Maina Mustafa Jatau corroborated the district head’s remarks, noting that economic activities in the Doro community have risen as more people patronize the Baga market.
He attributed this economic boost to both the kinetic and non-kinetic efforts of the MNJTF, Operation HADIN KAI, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The principal of Baga Junior Secondary School remarked that the school has benefited immensely from MNJTF’s quick impact projects.
These projects, he noted, included fencing the school, providing a solar-powered borehole, and constructing additional latrines for both staff and students.
Falmata Modu, a fish hawker in Baga, praised the efforts of the MNJTF troops.
“When we were resettled by the state government in Baga two years ago, we were apprehensive that Boko Haram might return. But seeing the efforts of the Nigerian troops in the MNJTF, our fears gradually vanished,” she said.
Modu added that more people are now patronizing her business. “When we hear that the MNJTF is conducting operations in the Lake and Kukawa, we know that the government really cares about us. Praise be to Allah, fishermen can now venture deeper into the lake to bring more fish here. The business is growing.”
Modu Bukar, a fisherman in Lake Chad, expressed his satisfaction with the improved security in the region.
“Fishing activities in the lake have significantly increased. We can now venture far and wide without any harassment,” he said.
