Niger Exits Lake Chad Military Force to Focus on Domestic Security

Niger has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional force combating Islamist militants around Lake Chad, to bolster security around its domestic oil assets, the government announced. The MNJTF, comprised of troops from Nigeria, Chad , Cameroon, and Niger, has struggled since 2015 with internal divisions and coordination challenges, hindering its effectiveness against groups like Boko Haram * and Daesh*. This withdrawal comes as Niger's new military leadership, which recently announced a five-year transition plan, prioritizes national security following attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure, including the crucial Agadem-Benin oil pipeline .

The impact of Niger's departure on the MNJTF's future operations remains unclear, and the task force has yet to comment. * terrorist organizations banned in many countries, including Russia.