The Lake Chad region has been plagued by terrorism, primarily perpetrated by Boko Haram, posing a significant threat to regional stability and development. In response, the governments of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin established the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in 2012 to combat the activities of extremist groups operating in the area. Despite concerted efforts, terrorism persists, undermining peace and security in the region. This study examines the effectiveness of the MNJTF in countering terrorism in the Lake Chad region from 2012 to 2023. The study adopts Liberalist theory of Collective Security and asymmetric warfare theory to analyze the rationale behind the collaboration of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Niger republic in setting up the Multinational Joint Taskforce in combating and eliminating terrorism in the Lake Chad region. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative approach, using secondary data and analysed via content and historical analysis. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, analysis of key indicators such as casualty rates and terrorist attacks, and evaluation of MNJTF operations and strategies, this research identifies challenges and limitations in current counter-terrorism efforts. The findings suggest that while the MNJTF has achieved some successes in degrading the capabilities of terrorist groups, including territorial losses and disruptions to their operational capabilities, challenges such as asymmetric warfare tactics, socio-economic grievances, and governance deficits persist. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of multinational counter-terrorism efforts, including strengthening coordination mechanisms, addressing root causes of extremism, and empowering local communities. By addressing these challenges and leveraging lessons learned, stakeholders can work towards fostering greater security, resilience, and prosperity in the Lake Chad region and advancing the global fight against terrorism.

Keywords: Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, Lake Chad, Multinational Joint Task