Major General Godwin Mutkut officially assumed command as the new Force Commander (FC) of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) during a handover ceremony held at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad, on Thursday.
This was announced in a statement signed by Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF.
Mutkut succeeded Ibrahim Sallau Ali, whose tenure witnessed significant strides in bolstering regional security and counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin.
In his inaugural address, Mutkut expressed gratitude to the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and contributing member states for entrusting him with this critical role.
He vowed to build on the achievements of his predecessors while addressing the evolving security challenges in the region.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and committed to working closely with all stakeholders to consolidate our gains and address the evolving security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin,” Mutkut said.
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Outgoing Force Commander, Ibrahim Sallau Ali congratulated his successor, describing him as an accomplished leader with extensive operational expertise.
He noted that Major General Mutkut’s previous roles, including his time as Commander of Sector 3 MNJTF, General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Force Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI, equip him to excel in his new role.
“I have no doubt that Major General Mutkut will build on the successes we have achieved. His understanding of the security dynamics within the Chad Basin region will serve him well in the campaign against terrorism”, Ali stated.
According to the statement, Mutkut, is a former Commander of the 8 Division NA, a formation instrumental in countering terrorism and banditry in northwest Nigeria, he brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
The MNJTF, a multinational coalition comprising forces from Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin, continues its mission to promote peace, stability, and security in the Lake Chad Basin amid persistent threats from terrorist groups.
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