MNJTF: over 200,000 IDPs and Refugees resettled in Lake Chad Area.
Dauda Iliya
Borno State
The Multinational Joint Taskforce MNJTF says more that two hundred thousand refugees and Internally displaced persons have returned to their communities following military clearance operation across the region.
Force Commander of the Joint Taskforce Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim stated this at the 2022 MNJTF medal parade at its headquarters N’Djamena, Chad republic.
The Multinational Joint Taskforce is a security coalition from countries of two regional blocs comprising Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin republics collaborating to jointly combat the menace of terrorism and insurgency.
The Force was reoprationalised and reorganised in 2015 to tackle the rising spate of Boko Haram insurgency and other affiliate groups in the Lake Chad area.
Seven years after, MNJTF has conducted eight major operations including the recently concluded Operation Lake Sanity resulting in the clearance of major terrorists strongholds, rescue of many captives and surrender of thousands insurgents.
It is in this regard that the Multinational Joint Taskforce is honoring outstanding personnel and staff officers who have completed their tour of duty.
The Force Commander Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim said the presentation of medals is an age long tradition of recognising and appreciating the effort of deserving personnel.
He remarked that peace is gradually returning to communities in the Lake Chad area, calling on the insurgents to surrender and embrace the path of peace.
“I remain proud of the efforts of Multinational Joint Taskforce and I assure you we will continue to remain on course towards the attainment of our mandate” The Force Commander stressed.
Major General Abdul Khalifa said the Force has approved compensation to some victims who suffered casualty in Operation Sharan Fage and Lake Sanity and also recognise the sacrifice of those who paid the supreme prize.
Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum who is a special guest at the event described the recent successes in the shores of Lake Chad as unprecedented.
He assured that the federal and Borno state governments will continue to support MNJTF to end terrorism and insurgency in the region.
Two of the award recipients Lieutenant Chukwuma Nmema and Lieutenant Eduabasi Udosen said the award will spur them to do more in future military operations.
The Medal parade ceremony was attended by Defence Chiefs and other senior military officers from MNJTF member countries.
Correspondent Dauda Iliya reports that six thousand personnel from the MNJTF member countries will receive award for their outstanding performance, while the Commander also launched the maiden magazine of the Force.