The Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim and Maj. Gen Christopher Musa, Infantry Corps Commander, Headquarters, Infantry Corps Centre Jaji Military Cantonment have bagged an award of commendation and Achievement Awards.
The award was conferred on the two Army Generals by a media platform, Spye Communications Limited (SpyeTV), a Counter Insurgency media communication company in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Managing Director, who doubles as the Public Relations Officer, Olayemi Esan, the company said the award is in recognition of Ibrahim and Musa's “track record of selfless service, professionalism, distinguished and exceptionally meritorious Service to the Nation while serving in a position of great responsibility as Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and JTF North East Operation Hadin Kai as Theater Commander, respectively.
"In recognition of outstanding performance while serving in Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai as Theatre Commander For ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East and Lake Chad region
"Their leadership and personal sacrifices had a significant impact in the success achieved in Operation Hadin Kai. Their actions and media relations are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service."
She added, “the Force Commander who is a media friendly Commander is a strict but fair-minded General who treated all the Sectors of MNJTF equally. The successes recorded so far was as a result of cooperation at all levels driven by the leadership skills of Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim to collectively fight insecurity in the region.
"When MNJTF re-operationalized with an increased capacity of about 10,000 troops, the Force Commander has since created a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram BHT and other terrorist groups. He facilitates the implementation of overall stabilization programmes and facilitates within the limit of its capabilities, humanitarian operations, and the delivery of assistance to the affected populations.
The operations of the MNJTF in close collaboration with national operations (OPERATION HADIN KAI – Nigeria and OPERATION EMERGENCE IV – Cameroon) have led to an improved security situation in the Region. Schools are reopening although on a limited scale, so they also are hospitals and markets, while commerce and agricultural activities, including fishing, are gradually picking up.
"Likewise, Major General Christopher Musa, who served as the 11th Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, accelerated the amnesty programme for repentant terrorists. Under his watch, Nigeria took delivery of the Super Tucano aircraft from the United States Government, which has been used in bombarding terrorists’ enclaves, forcing many of them to either surrender or flee westwards. Under Musa’s watch, over 47,975 terrorists and their families have so far surrendered to troops, according to military authorities.
“We wish to thank them immensely for coordinating and sustaining all the actions, programmes, efforts and special projects that have accounted for the liberation of communities and the return of peace across North East and Lake Chad Region.
“We are optimistic that General Ibrahim and General Musa new deployment to the Nigerian National Security Adviser’s office and Headquarters, Infantry Corps Centre Jaji Military Cantonment respectively would benefit the host community and Nigerian Army as a whole.