The Force Commander (FC) of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Maj-Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, along with Brig-Gen Assouala Blama, Deputy Force Commander, and Col. Tiokap Loti, Commander Sector 1 MNJTF (Cameroun), paid an operational visit on December 14, 2022 to the MNJTF Forward Operations Base Tactical Support Group in Kirawa, which is near the Nigeria-Cameroun border.
After the customary greeting ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division welcomed him and thanked the Force Commander for helping to make the contribution of the fighting vehicles (Toyota Buffalo Hilux adapted for Combat) and motion sensors that had already been given. He thanked Lieutenant General F. Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, and General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff, for making the vehicles available for usage. He stated that the population’s ability to carry out their social and economic activities in peace has made it possible for peace and security to return as a result of the FOB’s presence.
On December 15, 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudden Adegoke, the head of the military public information office in N’Djamena CHAD, issued a statement to the media.
In his remarks, the Force Commander expressed appreciation for how the MNJTF and Operation Hadin Kai worked together to promote peace throughout the region. He highlighted that in order to eliminate the remaining Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists, collaboration and support would continue.
In addition, the GOC 7 Division, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, gave the Force Commander the keys to the combat vehicles, which the FC then gave to Commander Sector 1, Col. The FC stated at the presentation that the combat vehicles will help the FOB in its mission to completely eradicate the local terrorist population.
The unit was praised by General Ibrahim for its dedication to establishing long-lasting peace and security in its area of responsibility (AOR) by adopting an offensive stance. He continued by saying that extra assistance would be given to aid in containing the malicious actions of the terrorists.
He emphasized that the forces’ ability to patrol and conduct operations successfully within their AOR will be made possible by the provision of high-value vehicles. Making the most of the cars while charging the FOB. He exhorted them to maintain their audacity and unpredictability in order to overwhelm the adversary.
Commander Sector 1 thanked the MNJTF leadership and the Nigerian military high command for the presentation in his reply and gave them the assurance that the vehicles will be used to fight the rebels in the region. The FC and his entourage then went on a tour of the Kirawa town and surrounding area with the Kirawa traditional leaders. He encouraged them to work with the local military and alert them to any suspicious activity or odd faces.
The District Head Mallam Abdulrahaman Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the Commander for the visit and for helping the people return to their ancestral home after a 7 year absence while fleeing the terrorists of the Boko Haram cult. He claimed that the military’ presence has reduced the tension and threat posed by terrorist activity. This has made their farming and other pursuits possible, in his opinion.
He valued the collaboration between the MNJTF and their Op Hadin Kai coworkers. About 6,000 people live in Kirawa, he added, and many more would like to return from Cameroun. He pleaded with the government to restore their roads and give them additional services in the area. A prayer session for harmony between the two nations and the Lake Chad Basin was then held.
The visit went off without a hitch. Since then, the Force Commander and his group have successfully made their way back to their base of operations in Ndjamena.
