The Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Maj Gen GU Chibuisi on Tuesday 23 May 2023 paid a working visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Nigerien Armed Forces Maj-Gen Abdou Sidikou Issa at the Defence Headquarters in Niamey. The FC congratulated the CDS for his recent appointment as the CDS. He praised the CDS for his exceptional leadership qualities, clear vision, commitment, patriotism and responsiveness which earned him the position. Gen Chibuisi’s discussion with the CDS bothered on enhanced synergy and cooperation between the Nigerien Armed Forces and the MNJTF.
The FC thanked the Nigerien government and its Armed Forces for the stabilizing role it has continued to play in the Lake Chad Basin region. He stated that the Nigerien Armed Forces was a committed partner in the fight against terrorism. He added that these efforts have helped in degrading the BH/ISWAP activities in the region. He further solicited for more collaboration in order to end the menace of terrorism for the return of total normalcy in the region.
While responding, the CDS Maj Gen Abdou Sidikou Issa thanked the FC for the visit and promised more collaboration with the MNJTF to ensure that its mandates were achieved. He commended the MNJTF on the recent successes recorded in operation HARBIN ZUMA. He assured the FC of the continuous support of the Nigerien Armed Forces to the MNJTF in the ongoing operation.
The visit to the CDS was part of the FC’s schedule while attending the 2nd Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Basin where he presented an update on the current security situation in the MNJTF Area of Operations.
The visit by the MNJTF Force Commander to the Nigerien Chief of Defence Staff further solidified the existing partnership and commitment to addressing regional security challenges. It showcased the determination of the military leaders to work together in a coordinated and synchronized manner to achieve lasting peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.
