Force Commander (FC) Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim
SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The out-going Force Commander (FC) Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has charged all Sector Commands of the MNJTF to redouble their efforts to finish or end the war at the Lake Chad Basin by clearing the remnants of Boko Haram elements in the region.
He also urged them to continue to cooperate and work with each other in synergy with a view to totally finish and level all the hide outs and enclaves of the remnants of insurgents.
General Ibrahim dropped the charge on Friday in Diffa Province of Niger Republic during farewell visits to all the sector commands under the MNJTF.
He was accompanied on the farewell visits by the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) Brig Gen Assoualai Blama and other senior officers of the MNJTF.
The entourage was received on arrival at Diffa airport by Commander Sector 4, Col Maj Mamman Sani Kiaou, Commander Zone 5 and other senior officers of the Sector.
After the usual welcome ceremony, the FC was briefed by the Sector Commander who confirmed the relative peace being enjoyed within his general area of responsibility but said that the main purpose of the interaction today is to appreciate, thank and pay tribute to the outgoing FC.
He described the outgoing FC as a courageous and determined General, who wanted stability in the Lake Chad Basin region, he said he is proud to have served under him.
Col. Mamman Sani, however, revealed the commitment of the FC at restoring peace in the Lake Chad Basin region and confirmed that the terrorists’ potency have been greatly diminished and lack the courage to face the troops except sneaky attacks.
Speaking further, he said the Sector had always gotten the required support from HQ MNJTF and especially the FC personally.
The Sector Commander also assured that Sector 4 will continue to work in synergy with other sectors to carry out mandate and mission of the MNJTF which is total eradication of terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region while extending his best wishes to the FC in his new assignment on behalf of the soldiers and officers of the sector . command.
In his remarks, the Force Commander congratulated the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigerien Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Salifou Mody who was recently promoted to his new rank.
He paid tribute to him for his outstanding leadership and the guidance he gave to the FC during his tenure while appreciating the Commander , Sector 4 for his loyalty, courage and superb leadership.
General Ibrahim also described the Sector 4 command of the MNJTF as a strategic part of the MNJTF mission since it is the Tactical Headquarters of the Force.
The Force Commander further praised the Sector for the tremendous Civil -Military Cooperation activities that are going on in the areas which brought the civil populace closer to the Security Forces while urging the sector command to sustain the tempo.
He also enjoined the sector to put more pressure on the BHTs until they are finally defeated while appreciating the Republic of Niger for the stability role that it has played in the sub-region.
As part of the farewell visit, The FC and his entourage also visited Sector 4 military cemetery where they paid their respects to the fallen heroes.
The FC described them as Heroes of Freedom who will never be forgotten while special prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes who paid their supreme prices while in active service to their fatherland.
Highlights of the visits include presentations of souvenirs,, gifts and flags as well as group photographs and parades among others.
The FC and his entourage have since returned to the MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena Chad immediately after the ceremony.
