Mutkut Advocates Multinational Strategy, Education and Development to End Terrorism in Lake Chad Region
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut, has called for a comprehensive multinational approach involving countries of the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats.
Speaking on the protracted insurgency in the North-East and the factors sustaining terrorist activities around the Lake Chad Basin, the senior military officer argued that military operations alone would not be sufficient to permanently defeat terrorism unless accompanied by sustained investments in education, economic development and regional cooperation.
According to him, one of the major drivers of terrorism in the region is the lack of education and limited access to opportunities in many of the affected communities.
Mutkut noted that many communities in Northern Borno, particularly those located around the Lake Chad Basin, have for decades suffered from inadequate educational infrastructure and limited government presence, creating conditions that extremist groups have exploited to spread their ideology and recruit followers.
He explained that communities in local government areas such as Abadam, Marte, Kukawa and Guzamala remain among the most strategically important areas in the fight against insurgency because of their geographical location and economic significance.
The Infantry Corps Commander observed that despite the security challenges, the region remains one of the most resource-rich areas in the country.
According to him, the fertile lands surrounding Lake Chad support extensive agricultural activities throughout the year due to the availability of water and rich alluvial soil deposits.
“The Lake Chad Basin is naturally endowed with enormous resources. Along the shores and islands of the lake, crops such as onions, pepper and other vegetables can be cultivated throughout the year because of the fertility of the soil and the availability of water.
“The environment supports continuous agricultural production, making food readily available. This is one of the reasons terrorist groups find the area attractive as a base of operation,” he said.
Mutkut further noted that livestock production also thrives in the area because of the abundance of pasture and grazing land available throughout the year.
He explained that beyond crop farming and livestock production, the lake remains one of the most productive fishing zones in West Africa, providing significant economic opportunities for local populations.
According to him, fish from communities around Baga and other parts of the Lake Chad Basin have historically enjoyed a reputation for quality across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“The fishing industry around Lake Chad is extremely lucrative. For many young people, fishing provides immediate financial returns that appear far more attractive than spending years in school.
“In some cases, a young fisherman can earn substantial income during the peak fishing season, making it difficult to convince him that formal education offers a better long-term future. This economic reality presents a major challenge for policymakers and development agencies working in the area,” he stated.
The General noted that while governments at different levels have made efforts to promote education in the region, the challenge remains significant because many families prioritize immediate economic benefits over long-term educational goals.
He recalled various initiatives aimed at encouraging school enrolment, including programmes that linked educational attainment with access to fishing equipment and other economic incentives.
According to him, some development partners and non-governmental organisations introduced schemes under which students who completed certain levels of education would receive fishing boats, engines and nets to support their livelihoods.
However, he observed that despite such interventions, many young people still preferred to enter the fishing industry directly rather than pursue formal education.
Mutkut warned that the combination of poverty, illiteracy and limited opportunities creates fertile ground for extremist groups seeking to radicalise vulnerable populations.
“When people lack access to education and information, they become more susceptible to manipulation and extremist narratives. This is why addressing educational deficits must remain a critical component of any long-term counterterrorism strategy,” he said.
The Infantry Corps Commander also highlighted the unique geographical challenges posed by the Lake Chad Basin, describing the area as one of the most complex operational environments in the region.
He noted that the lake contains hundreds of islands, many of which provide natural sanctuaries for terrorist groups.
According to him, the number of islands fluctuates depending on seasonal water levels, making security operations particularly difficult.
“Lake Chad is a vast environment with hundreds of islands scattered across its expanse. During certain periods of the year, the number of accessible islands is extremely high, while seasonal flooding alters the terrain and changes movement patterns.
“These islands provide concealment and natural cover that terrorist groups exploit to evade detection and sustain their operations,” he explained.
Mutkut said the dense vegetation and difficult terrain around the islands often complicate aerial surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts, allowing insurgents to establish temporary camps, training locations and logistics hubs.
He stressed that the insurgency challenge extends beyond Nigeria’s borders and should therefore be viewed through a regional lens.
Drawing from his personal experience in the region, he noted that communities in neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroon face similar socio-economic and security challenges.
“This is not a problem that is unique to Nigeria. The same conditions can be found across several countries bordering Lake Chad. The challenges of poverty, inadequate education, underdevelopment and insecurity affect communities throughout the basin.
“Because the threat transcends national boundaries, the response must also transcend national boundaries,” he said.
Mutkut therefore called for deeper cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission as well as nations across the Sahel.
He emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations, coordinated border security measures and harmonised development programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
According to him, greater collaboration among regional governments would improve the ability of security forces to track terrorist movements, disrupt supply routes and deny insurgents safe havens.
He also advocated increased investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic empowerment programmes across vulnerable communities.
The General maintained that sustainable peace would only be achieved when military successes are complemented by meaningful socio-economic development capable of improving the lives of local populations.
“Terrorism cannot be defeated solely through military force. Security operations are essential, but they must be supported by development initiatives that provide people with hope, opportunities and alternatives to extremism.
“We must ensure that young people see a future beyond violence and criminality. Education, economic empowerment and community development remain critical elements of any lasting solution,” he said.
Mutkut expressed optimism that ongoing regional security efforts, combined with stronger multinational cooperation and sustained investment in human development, would significantly degrade terrorist capabilities and restore stability to the Lake Chad Basin.
He urged,l regional organisations, development partners and local communities to work together in confronting the threat, stressing that collective action remains the most effective path toward lasting peace and security.
According to him, the ultimate goal should be to deny terrorists the space, resources and influence they currently enjoy while creating conditions that allow affected communities to thrive.
“The fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility. Countries of the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel must continue to work together. With sustained cooperation, improved governance, education and economic development, we can ultimately defeat terrorism and secure a more peaceful future for the region,” he said.
