MNJTF, OPHK restategise to stabilise Lake Chad region

The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reaffirmed commitment to stabilising the Lake Chad region through renewed strategies against insurgency and terrorism.

This followed a joint operational assessment visit to Sector 3, OPHK, in Baga, Borno, by the Force Commander, MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, and Theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.

This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Friday.

Uba said the commanders received detailed briefings from the Commander, 403 Amphibious Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Agada, and the Commander, Naval Base Lake Chad, Commodore Peter Yilme, on measures adopted to the region.

He said the briefing featured the protection of the waterways to protect economic activities, and deny terrorists freedom of movement.

According to him, the joint visit attracted Component and Formation Commanders, senior staff officers of Headquarters Theatre Command and MNJTF, as well as the Commander, Sector 3 OPHK, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Tilawan.

In his remarks, the Force Commander of MNJTF, Mutkut emphasised the need for closer monitoring of troops’ performance, sustained vigilance, and effective coordination in the region.

He said that security in the Lake Chad Basin was in the collective interest of all countries bordering the lake.

Mutkut urged commanders to sustain vigilance and coordination.

On his part, the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Abubakar commended troops for their resilience and urged commanders to maintain maximum alertness, aggressive posture, and professionalism.

He highlighted the importance of protecting farming and fishing activities, describing them as central to food security and the survival of local communities.

“Troops must demonstrate the highest commitment in protecting the waterways to enhance farming and fishing, which remain critical to livelihoods in the Lake Chad region,” he said.

The Theatre Commander further tasked commanders to prioritise troops’ welfare, ensure judicious application of resources, and strengthen communication channels to address operational challenges.