By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, on Tuesday conducted a strategic operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
In his remarks, Major General Audu stated that the purpose of his visit was to formally introduce himself as the new Force Commander MNJTF, N’Djamena, and to ensure effective coordination with OPHK ahead of joint operations.
He emphasised that collaboration, sustained vigilance, and continuous monitoring are critical to stabilizing the Lake Chad Basin, which remains a shared priority of all MNJTF member nations.
Commending the Theatre Commander for the detailed and insightful operational briefs, Major General Audu described them as meticulous and enlightening. He highlighted the need to refine operational strategies, incorporate emerging threats, and draw lessons from previous experiences to prevent setbacks. The visit underscores strengthened regional cooperation and operational synergy.
Major General Audu was received by the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who described the visit as timely and highly significant, stressing that the visit came at a critical period. He lauded the Force Commander’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen MNJTF-OPHK synergy.
During the visit, the Force Commander received detailed operational briefings, including measures to secure the Lake Chad waterways and protect economic activities. He was also briefed on the future projections.
As part of the operational assessment, Major General Audu commissioned the newly completed Sector 3 Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment—a modern facility comprising eight fully furnished, one-bedroom flats. Speaking at the commissioning, the Theatre Commander congratulated the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF for the milestone achievement, noting that the accommodation would serve officers on administrative and welfare leave while reducing unnecessary personnel movement. He described the initiative as aligned with the COAS’ “Soldiers First” culture and urged commanders at all levels to prioritize troop welfare and emulate such exemplary initiatives.
The strategic visit featured operational briefings, interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs to the Force Commander, and group photographs, reflecting the robust collaboration between OPHK and the MNJTF in ensuring the optimal use of operational platforms and equipment for enhanced counter-terrorism effectiveness along the Lake Chad waterways.
