JAPANESE MINISTER VISITS MNJTF

The Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, MrMasahisia Sato visited the headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force recently. Speaking at the occasion Mr Sato stated that he was in the MNJTF Headquarters to learn about the activities and efforts of the Force in dealing with Boko Haram terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. In a brief, the Force Commander who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Navy Captain TchepdaDjia Rolland informed Mr Sato of the threat, the progress made so far by the MNJTF and the challenges being faced in ongoing counterinsurgency operations. Captain Djia stated that the MNJTF would appreciate the intervention of the Japanese Government in the areas of Counter – IED equipment and amphibious platforms. Responding, Mr Sato noted that Japan by virtue of their pacifist constitution cannot assist the MNJTF with combat related equipment. He however, assured that assistance could come during the Disarmament. Demobilization and Reintegration programme. He also pledged assistance to the Police Component of the MNJTF.