The Chief of Naval Staff (CoNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has pledged to secure Lake Chad and its surrounding waterways, enabling the resumption of fishing and other socio-economic activities in the northeast.
Speaking in Maiduguri during a working visit to Naval formations in the Lake Chad Basin, Abbas emphasized the importance of synergy between the military and other security agencies to end the war and secure the region.
“Our joint military action with security agencies and the Civilian JTF in the Lake Chad and its shores will enable fishermen and farmers resume their economic activities by securing the Lake and dozens of waterways that serve many communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states,” he said.
The Nation reports that the CoNS’s visit aimed to assess operational requirements of troops in the Lake Chad region, comprising Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger Republic. He revealed that the military joint action targets Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, denying them access to the Lake and waterways.
“Beyond securing the Lake, our efforts will revive economic activities and improve the lives of communities affected by the insurgency,” Abbas added.
He inspected the Maiduguri Naval Base construction and met with Governor Babagana Zulum to discuss security efforts. He also visited the Baga Naval base, emphasizing the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.
The Chief of Naval Staff’s assurance has raised hopes for the thousands of displaced fishermen and farmers in the Lake Chad region, who have been forced to abandon their livelihoods due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Lake Chad, once a thriving source of fish and livelihood for millions, has been a hotspot for terrorist activities, making it imperative for the military to intervene.
Vice Admiral Abbas’s visit to the region underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to securing the Lake Chad and its surrounding waterways.
The Maiduguri Naval Base, currently under construction, is expected to enhance the Navy’s capabilities in the region, providing a strategic location for monitoring and securing the Lake Chad.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who met with Abbas, praised the military’s efforts and assured the government’s continued support in the fight against insurgency.
The Lake Chad region, which spans across four countries, has been plagued by Boko Haram’s terrorist activities, resulting in significant displacement, hunger, and economic hardship. The military’s renewed efforts aim to restore peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the region.
The success of the operation is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, enabling the revival of fishing, farming, and other socio-economic activities, improving the lives of communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.