IMPACT OF MILITARY ALLIANCES ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND REGIONAL CONFLICT. A STUDY OF MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASK FORCE (MNJTF)

This study examines the impact of military alliances on national security and regional conflicts, using the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as a case study. The study is guided by the following objectives: to assess the effectiveness of the Multi-National Joint Task Force in countering the Boko Haram insurgency in West Africa; to examine the contribution of the Multi-National Joint Task Force to regional stability and peacebuilding efforts in the Lake Chad Basin; and to analyse the operational challenges facing the Multi-National Joint Task Force in addressing transnational security. A qualitative research approach was adopted, relying on data gathered from secondary sources, including scholarly articles, official reports, newspapers, policy documents, and other relevant publications. This study is anchored on the Collective Security Theory, which posits that the security of each member state is intertwined with the security of the region, and that threats to peace in one part of the region constitute threats to all member states. Findings from the study reveal that the MNJTF has contributed significantly to degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. However, the alliance faces challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of coordination among member states, porous borders, and overlapping national interests which sometimes hinder joint operations. The research further highlights that while the MNJTF has improved intelligence sharing and joint operations, sustainable success requires stronger political will, improved logistics, and long-term regional development strategies. The study recommends that member states should strengthen cooperation by addressing funding gaps, enhancing joint training exercises, and developing unified counterterrorism strategies. It also calls for greater community engagement and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of regional conflicts and insecurity.