bloomshorts Monguno’s Strategic Defenses
From the air, Monguno resembles a fortress, its perimeter marked by deep trenches designed to deter jihadist incursions. This garrison town in northeast Nigeria’s Borno State has remained largely secure, even as the region experiences a resurgence of attacks on military bases by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
A Refuge Amidst Conflict
Since 2019, the Nigerian army has consolidated its forces in ‘supercamps’ or garrison towns like Monguno to protect its troops, a strategy that has drawn criticism for ceding control of rural areas to militants. Despite this, Monguno has become a haven for displaced persons, offering safety and a semblance of normalcy in a region where violence has displaced millions.
The Challenge of Maintaining Security
The roads to Monguno are lined with barriers and checkpoints, a testament to the ongoing threat of improvised explosive devices and militant attacks. The presence of the Multinational Joint Task Force, comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, has been pivotal in maintaining peace and security in the town, allowing residents like Umar Bullam and Hauwa Garba to rebuild their lives.
The Persistent Threat of Jihadist Groups
Despite these efforts, the threat from jihadist groups remains, with new tactics such as drone attacks adding to the challenges faced by security forces. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, aware of the potential for these groups to destabilize not just Nigeria but the entire Lake Chad region.
