Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Ali has assumed command of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The new Commander takes over from Maj. Gen. Gold Chibusi at the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Headquarters in N’djamena, Chad Republic.
Chibusi is on his way to the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in the North East Joint Task Force Headquarters in Maiduguri. Chibuisi assumed duty as the Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force on April 19, 2023.
He stated:
Today I will be handing over the mantle of leadership to an accomplished and versatile General who recently completed his tour of duty and happened to be my predecessor.
“I must state that coming from the theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, he understands the security settings and dynamics within the Lake Chad Basin region and will give his best to the campaign against terrorism in the region.
“I want to recognise some of the actions we took during my tenure in furtherance of the MNJTF mandate.
“The mandate, as captured in the fundamental provisions of the force, was to among other actions create a safe environment. Particularly in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups by significantly reducing violence against civilians and other abuses. This includes including sexual and gender-based violence, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. As well as the international human rights due diligence policy.
“We were therefore able to conduct a series of Kinetic and non-Kinetic operations during my time in the leadership of the force.
“All the sectors sustained patrol and vigorous deterrence activities against the terrorists. Though we could not conduct Operation Desert Sanity 2 as envisaged due to factors beyond the military component.”
He further stated that-
the command would still carry out Operation Harbin ZUMA in the first quarters of this year to support national operations in Cameroon Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
“Operation Harbin Zuma saw the successful clearing of terrorist hideouts and capture of several weapons, including anti-aircraft guns, RPG tubes, bombs, Ak 47 rifles and gun trucks.
“Additionally, the rescue of 56 hostages including women and children, and the neutralisation of some key terrorist leaders shows the level of progress in our joint efforts to end the menace of terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
“A number of compatriots, however, paid the supreme price during this operation. May their souls rest in peace.
“On the non-kinetic side, the sustained execution of quick impact projects by the MNJTF with the support of our partners toward improving the livelihood of targeted communities is worth acknowledging.”
Chibuisi commended the political leaders of the Lake Chad Basin countries for their political will, identifying the unique force as the first of its type in the world.
He praised the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs of the different Lake Chad Basin member countries, as well as the Government of Chad, for hosting the MJTF’s headquarters.
He thanked the MNJTF commanders, officers, and troops for their unwavering dedication and commitment to carrying out their essential duty and sustaining the onslaught against the terrorists.
Maj-Gen Ali expressed gratitude to the late Force Commander for the legacies he left behind and committed to building on those legacies in order to bring the insurgency to a stop.
cc: Daily Trust Ng
