Handing over ceremony between the incoming and outgoing Force Commanders
A new Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Saidu Tanko Audu has assumed command at Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad.
A statement from Lt. Col. Iweha Ikedichi, Chief Military Information Officer, said the new Force Commander was redeployed from the Army Department of Training, sequel to a recent Army Headquarters posting which redeployed senior officers following the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff as well as other service chiefs.
“The formal handing and taking over was held today, 13 November 2025, at the Headquarters, MNJTF, in N’djamena, Chad.
“In his remarks, the outgoing Force Commander,Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic appreciated the Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission/Head of Mission MNJTF, Military Staff Officers, African Union Mission Support Team, the European Union and technical partners for their support and partnership which has sustained the mission and enabled it achieve its mandate.
“He attributed the achievements recorded at the MNJTF to their professionalism and teamwork, urging them to extend the same support to his successor as he proceeded to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as Corps Commander.
“In his maiden address, Major General ST Audu thanked the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, for the confidence reposed in him, consequent upon his deployment.
“He commended his predecessor for his leadership and pledged to consolidate on existing gains and synergy among components of the Multi National Joint Task Force. He urged all personnel to remain disciplined, focused and innovative in the conduct of operations, while calling for stronger collaboration with communities and security stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in the region,” the statement added.
Highlights of the ceremony included the signing and exchange of handing and taking over notes, symbolic handover of the command flag and group photograph.
