By Olayemi Esan
...says Force poised to ending insurgency in Lake Chad Basin
The Force Commander (FC), Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF), Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has lauded the United Kingdom (UK)’s support to the MNJTF, describing it as a critical intervention which has multiple effects capable of driving further successes of the Force.
General Ibrahim made the remarks when he hosted a delegation led by the British Defence Adviser (DA) to Nigeria and Head of British Defence Staff West Africa, Air Commodore Paul Warwick CBE at the Headquarters, MNJTF N’Djamena Chad.
General Ibrahim expressed immense appreciation for the series of interventions in the areas of assorted training for the MNJTF personnel and medical outreaches for the benefit of the communities across the Lake Chad region in all 4 countries.
“It is evident that these crucial interventions defined a new way of meaningful collaboration between MNJTF and UK government through the LCBC” he said.
He added that, the Force is poised to speedily end the scourge of terrorists’ activities in the region; thus UK’s continuous intervention is highly desirable and solicited.
Responding, the UK Defence Adviser said, the Lake Chad Basin is a very important area and UK considers its stability as a priority. He commended the MNJTF for its operational successes and said, the UK would continue to support the MNJTF.
He said UK’s involvement in the area is built on trust and mutual respect and requested for constant communication to achieve this. Air Commodore Paul said, the military approach alone cannot solve the problem and therefore , requires a comprehensive approach where civil societies and their capabilities are integrated into the efforts of tackling terrorism.
Highlights of the visit were the presentation of the information brief on MNJTF activities and souvenirs. The DA was accompanied on the visit by Dr Katherine Brooks – First Secretary Political Lake Chad Region of the British High Commission Nigeria ,Lt Col Billy Perham a Senior Military Advisor to Cameroon and Lt Col S Hobson, of the Centre of Coordination and Liason (CCL)The visit was hitch free.
Source: DefenceTimes
