The outgoing Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Major General AbdulKhalifah Ibrahim has visited Sector 2 MNJTF Baga Sola (Chad) and Sector 3 MNJTF Monguno (Nigeria).
Baga Sola is in the eastern part of Chad and is the Headquarters of the MNJTF Sector 2 and also hosts a big refugee camp with thousands of people from Nigeria domiciled there.
According to a statement by the Chief Military Public Information Officer MNJTF N’Djamena Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, the visit is in continuation of his farewell visit sequel to his recent redeployment to the Nigerian National Security Adviser’s office.
The FC who was accompanied by other senior officers of the MNJTF, was received on arrival by the Commander Sector 2, Brigadier General Youssouf Mahamat Itno, and other key officers of the Sector.
The FC while there informed the officers and men that he was in Baga Sola to bid them farewell as he has been redeployed and the new FC will be taking over in a few days.
He described the Chadian Sector 2 MNJTF troops as highly mobile and hard-hitting professionals and appreciated the Commander Sector 2 for his leadership. General Khalifah urged him to maintain the high morale of the Sector, adding that though the criminals have been degraded, there is a need for all the Sectors to push for an end to terrorist activities in the region.
He appreciated the officers and men for their courage and for cooperating with him. He paid tribute to all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the quest for peace in the region. The FC appreciated the Government and people of Chad for their continued support of the MNJTF.
While responding, the Commander Sector 2, Brigadier General Mahamat Itno appreciated the Force Commander for finding time to bid them farewell. He described the FC as a strict but fair-minded General who treated all the Sectors equally.
He further averred that the security situation in the Sector 2 area of operations and indeed the Lake Chad Basin region has improved tremendously. He said in Sector 2, thousands of people who were hitherto displaced have returned to their ancestral homes in places like Kalam and Bagatolorom among other places.
He further stated that significant Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects have been delivered since the FC assumed command. He appreciated General Khalifah for his leadership qualities and assured that the sector is ever ready to carry out MNJTF operations at all times and wished the FC the best in his new assignment.
Also, the FC visited Headquarters Sector 3 MNJTF Monguno (Nigeria), the largest town in northern Borno hosting thousands of people including internally displaced.
The FC on arrival was received by the Commander Sector 3, MNJTF, Major General AE Abubakar and was briefed by the same. The Sector Commander appreciated the significant support received from MNJTF which include training support, issue of equipment as well as communication equipment among others.
He confirmed that the security situation in the area has improved significantly with hundreds of boko haram/ ISWAP, their families and other collaborators surrendering every day as a consequence of their operations, infighting among the criminals and the result of their psychological operations.
He also said the offensive postures of the troops and the joint operations conducted with Sector 4 Diffa (Niger) have helped the Sector to dominate the areas of operation.
The sector 3 Commander thanked the FC for his guidance and direction. He assured the FC of Sector 3’s continued readiness to carry out MNJTF operations. He wished the FC the very best in his new posting.
In his response, the FC thanked the Commander for the warm reception and his achievements since the assumption of duty. According to the FC, the Commander’s innovative style of leadership has led him to evolve strategies to dominate and defeat the adversary in his area of operations. This he said has resulted in an improved security situation.
He expressed satisfaction with the Sector’s effort in curtailing the activities of boko haram terrorists and their collaborators in the area. He praised the troops for their courage, commitment and determination.
General Khalifah warned that the terrorist group have not been completely routed out and consequently, we must maintain the pressure on them.
The Force Commander also met with the representatives of the NGOs as well as the traditional leadership of Monguno and appreciated them and urged them to continue to support and collaborate with the military to achieve their joint end state of peace and security.
The FC and DFC laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes at the Sector 3 mini cenotaph. The FC had earlier commissioned a VIP walkway named after a late Commanding officer of 157 Battalion, late Lt Col II Sakaba who was unfortunately killed in action in Metele in 2018
