The Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Mutkut, and the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Wednesday carried out a joint operational assessment visit to Sector 3 of OPHK in Baga, Borno State.
The visit focused on appraising ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad waterways and ensuring the optimal use of platforms and equipment deployed in the theatre.
During the tour, the commanders received detailed briefings from the Commander of 403 Amphibious Brigade, Brigadier General Emmanuel Agada, and the Commander of Naval Base Lake Chad, Commodore Peter Yilme. The briefings highlighted measures being implemented to secure the waterways, safeguard economic activities, and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Maj Gen Mutkut, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of close monitoring of troops’ performance, effective coordination, and sustained vigilance. He noted that stability in the Lake Chad Basin was of collective interest to all member nations and called for sustained synergy among forces.
On his part, Maj Gen Abubakar commended the troops for their resilience and urged commanders to maintain maximum alertness, professionalism, and an aggressive posture in tackling terrorist threats. He underscored the need to provide security cover for farming and fishing activities, describing them as vital for the survival of communities in the region.
“Troops must demonstrate the highest level of commitment in protecting the waterways to enhance farming and fishing, which remain critical to the survival of local communities,” the Theatre Commander stressed.
He further charged commanders to prioritise the welfare of troops, strengthen communication channels, and ensure judicious use of operational resources.
The joint assessment was attended by Component and Formation Commanders, senior staff officers of the MNJTF and Theatre Command Headquarters, as well as the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK, Brigadier General Suleiman Tilawan.
