By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
In a solemn honour to the brave soldiers who were killed and wounded in action during Operations LAKE SANITY 2, the Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Ali has presented token compensation to wounded soldiers and the next of kins of killed in action troops.
The events took place in Mora – Cameroon and Maiduguri, Nigeria on Friday 11 October and Saturday 12 October 12, 2024 respectively. The soldiers honoured are from Sector 1 MNJTF (Mora) and Sector 3 MNJTF (Mongunu).
The FC lauded the troops for their bravery and sacrifice in the relentless pursuit of peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) region.
He emphasized that their actions are a reminder of the heavy price paid for freedom and that their legacy will forever serve as a guiding light in the continued fight for peace in the Lake Chad region. Major General Ali while reflecting on the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers reaffirms MNJTF unwavering commitment to the peace and security they stood for.
The FC extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, acknowledging that the loss of a loved one is an unimaginable pain and while no words can truly ease that sorrow , the token offered should be seen as a small gesture of MNJTF’s gratitude and respect.
“Your loved ones served with honor and distinction, and their contribution to this noble cause will never be forgotten,” he added. General Ali encouraged the families of the fallen heroes to take solace in knowing their loved ones died with honour while contributing to the region’s stability.
Major General Ali also commended the wounded soldiers for their bravery, noting that their sacrifices are a testament to their dedication to the mission. “Your resilience inspires us all,” he said, pledging the MNJTF’s unwavering support for their recovery and reaffirming the force’s commitment to eradicating Boko Haram terrorists.
In a welcome remarks by the Commander Sector 1 in Mora Cameroon Colonel Tookap Pierre Loti requested for a moment of silence for the fallen heroes and noted that the men being honoured are heroes and valiant martyrs
Similarly, in Maiduguri the Commander Sector 3 Brigadier General Mohammed Babayo extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families , noting that the supreme prize cannot be compensated enough but that the gesture is a token of appreciation to support the families during the difficult periods.
The bereaved families led by Mrs Afusat Abubakar expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.
The ceremony included the presentation of the compensation tokens to beneficiaries by FC Major General Ali, along with the Theatre CommanderOperation HADIN KAI Major General Waidi Shaibu, Commander Sector 3 and other formation commanders as well as Principal Staff Officers
The Force Commander’s visit and the compensation ceremonies highlighted the MNJTF’s continued dedication to honoring the sacrifices of its troops while remaining steadfast in its mission to secure peace in the Lake Chad Basin region.