By Victor Akaa.
Major General Godwin Mutkut has officially taken over as the new Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), marking a new chapter in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Chief Military Information Officer HQ MNJTF N’djamena, Chad Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba in a statement said , Major General Mutkut has pledged to crack down on terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
During the handover ceremony, which took place at the MNJTF Headquarters, Farcha in N’Djamena, Chad, Major General Mutkut assumed command, taking over from his predecessor, Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali.
During his maiden address, the Force Commander pledged to to restore peace and stability in the region. He also promised to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and committed to working closely with all stakeholders to consolidate our gains and address the evolving security challenges in the Lake Chad Basingstoke,“ he stated.
In his remarks, the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, expressed delight in the capability of the new Force Commander, noting that with the wealth of experience in counter-terrorism operations, Major General Mutkut is well-equipped to lead the MNJTF in its mission to promote peace and stability in the region.
He explained that as a seasoned military officer, Major General Mutkut has a proven track record of success, having commanded the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and served as the Force Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West zone.
According to the statement, Major General Mutkut’s expertise and leadership skills will undoubtedly be an asset to the MNJTF as it continues to tackle the complex security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and contributing member states have expressed confidence in Major General Mutkut’s ability to build on the successes of his predecessors and take the MNJTF to greater heights.
Enugu Reporters reports that the MNJTF has a long history of combating terrorism in the region, dating back to its establishment in 1994. Over the years, the force has undergone significant transformations, including the expansion of its mandate to include counter-terrorism operations in 2012.
Today, the MNJTF is a combined multinational formation, comprising units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, with its headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.
With Major General Mutkut at the helm, the MNJTF is poised to make significant strides in the fight against terrorism and promote peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
