The Force Commander (FC) of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim has on Tuesday paid operational visit to headquarters of Sector 1 of the MNJTF in Mora, Cameroun.
A statement by the Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said the FC was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Assoualai Blama and other senior officers.
“The FC was welcomed with the traditional Honour Guard and was led by the Commander Sector 1 Col Tiokap Pierre Loti to the conference room. The Commander Sector 1 thanked the FC for providing a conducive environment for the Sector to function effectively to achieve the mandate of the MNJTF.
“He assured the FC of the total commitment of the Sector to take the war to the insurgents even much more than before, as plans were already underway to end their menace. The FC then received a detailed brief on the activities of the Sector which included operations, achievements and challenges.
In his remarks, the FC appreciated the warm reception accorded him and members of his entourage. He informed them that he had also come to formally introduce the newly posted in DFC of the MNJTF to the Sector.
“He praised the Sector for the successes recorded in recent times, their professionalism and doggedness. He expressed satisfaction with the level of troops dedication to duty but urged them to do more.
“He praised the Commander adding that his leadership reflected in the overall troops performance and aggressive posture. Gen Ibrahim thanked the Republic of Cameroon for their support towards the fight against terrorists activities.
“Highlight of the occasion was presentation of medals to officers who participated in the last Operation Lake Sanity,” the statement added.
It also said that the team paid an operational visit to the MNJTF Stabilization Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Kirawa where he was received by the Commander 26 Task Force Brigade, Brig Gen D.R Dantani alongside the MNJTF FOB Commander, Capt Lyon where the FC was briefed on operations a successes recorded as well as the challenges faced.
“The achievements recorded include the return of about 10,000 refugees who were formerly in Cameroun or internally displaced in Maiduguri and other places to their ancestral home in Kirawa and the capture of over 500 bicycles belonging to BH, 15 X AK 47 rifles, hundreds of assorted ammunition including 7.62mm special rounds, as well as the recovery of hundreds of cattle rustled by the Boko Haram criminals which were returned to their various owners in Cameroon and Nigeria.
“Responding, the FC appreciated the efforts of the FOB Stabilization Force on the achievements recorded which has enabled the refugees to return to their various homes and allowed economic activities to thrive in their Area of Responsibilities.
“According to the FC, the deployment of the MNJTF FOB Stabilization Force to the area and their remarkable synergy and cooperation with troops of Op Hadin Kai has denied the Boko Haram /ISWAP Terrorists the use of the areas as a mobility corridor to ferry supplies their men.
” He promised to address the challenges presented to him as quickly as possible to improve their combat efficiency and urged them to work closely with troops of Op Hadin Kai .
“The FC used the occasion to address the Kirawa community led by the District head Mallam Abdulraham Abubakar. Hon Lawal who spoke on behalf of the community praised the efforts put in place by the MNJTF and Operation Hadin Kai troops to ensure total eradication of the terrorists activities in the area.
“He stated that normalcy is gradually returning to their community as economic activities had picked up and farming activities had flourished.
He said farmers had cultivated their lands spanning over 14km of land which was hitherto not possible and they are expecting a bumper harvest this year, the first time in over 9 years. He used the opportunity to thank the Government of Borno state for their support to the community but still requested for more support to the community and to the civillian joint task force supporting the military.
“The FC thanked the members of the Kirawa community for their cooperation with the troops but also enjoined them to provide timely information to troops in order to keep them secure.
“He assured them of the continuous commitment of the MNJTF to bring lasting peace to the community and the entire Lake Chad Basin region,” the statement concluded.
