By Olayemi Esan
In a colourful and well attended Handing and Taking over Ceremony, the newly appointed Force Commander (FC) Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Gold Chibuisi took over the command of the Force from Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim.
SpyeTV News reports that the event took place today, 19 April 2023 at the Headquarters of the MNJTF in Ndjamena, Republic of Chad. A hall was also renamed in commemoration of a Chadian Senior officer who died fighting for peace in the Lake Chad region on 22nd November 2022 at Bakatere lom.
Unveiling the hall, the former Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim appealed to the newly appointed Force Commander to carry this gesture over in order for the memory of veterans, and those who laid down their lives for their remembrance.
He also presented a token to late Colonel Abdraman Ali BBrahi's family, the fallen heroes family, as a token of MNJTF appreciation.
Relinquishing the command of the MNJTF, General Ibrahim said, he is handing over to an accomplished and vasely experienced general who has had the privilege of serving in this general area in the past.
He said the new Force Commander has commanded the 2 division Nigerian Army Ibadan Nigeria and was also Brigade Commander of 19 Brigade in Headquarters in Baga Nigeria.
General Ibrahim appreciated the political leaders of the Lake Chad basin countries for their political will that gave birth to MNJTF unique force, the only type of its kind in the world today. He thanked CDS Chad, all Chadian service Chiefs, and the COAS Nigeria for giving him direct support. He appreciated all troops, personnel, and MNJTF partners.
He stressed that the Lake Chad basin area is much better secure today than it was at the beginning of his stewardship.
"Evidence are bound that internally displaced persons are return to their homes in thousands, refugee camps in Chad, in Cameroun, Baruwa and Diffa in Niger Republic, and Nigeria.
"It is of records that attacks have dropped by 60% or more in the Lake Chad basin area. International trading commercial roads from Chad to Nigeria and from Cameroun to Niger are reopened with significant success. Agriculture, commerce, schools, and markets are all picking up. Indeed, as a global terrorism index for 2022 shows all countries of the Lake Chad region have witnessed significant upward traits.
He stated that war is not over yet, though violence, extremist groups, Boko Haram and ISWAP have been degraded, there is still the need for the countries to come together and crush this menace once and for all. He believes that this could be achieved firmly if the present level of corporation is sustained.
Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim went ahead to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the MNJTF, who he said paid the supreme sacrifice to keep the Lake Chad Basin region countries as one.
In his word, the newly appointed Force Commander MNJTF, Maj Gen Gold Chibuisi extolled the command and leadership qualities of Maj.- Gen. Ibrahim, whom he described as an accomplished general, with tremendous track records of achievements.
He said the task ahead is a very serious one as the war is still ongoing in the Lake Chad region and he is taking it with utmost seriousness and high responsibility.
"It is also clear that we must work together on the mandate, I encourage everyone to put their hands together. We have a commitment and responsibility to improve on what the former force Commander laid down," he noted.
The Highlight of the ceremony was handing and taking over which involved signing of Hand over notes, handing over Command flag and decoration with the MNJTF badges, Unveiling of Renamed Hall to Honour Fallen Heroes, among others.
By SpyeTV News
