The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Saidu Tanko Audu, has conducted a confidence-building operational assessment visit to troops in Malam Fatori, following a failed terrorist attack on the military position.
The visit, which took place on March 19, 2026, was to the 68 Battalion in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, within Sector 3 of the MNJTF Area of Responsibility. It followed the successful defence mounted by troops against a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists between the evening of March 18 and the early hours of March 19.
During the visit, Audu, accompanied by the Sector 3 Commander, S Tilawan, and the Acting Commander of 19 Brigade, Emmanuel Okon Ikang, conveyed commendations from senior defence authorities, including the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu.
The Force Commander praised the troops for their gallantry, resilience and professionalism, noting that their firm defence not only repelled the attackers but also prevented harm to the civilian population in the area.
Following a detailed operational briefing, Audu issued further directives to the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Emmanuel Ochigbo, urging heightened vigilance to forestall any reprisal attacks by the insurgents.
Addressing the troops, he emphasised the importance of teamwork, alertness and sustained operational readiness, assuring them of continued logistical support and the escalation of their concerns to higher authorities.
The Force Commander and his entourage also inspected defensive positions, including trenches and gun placements, and made adjustments aimed at strengthening the unit’s defensive posture and overall combat effectiveness. Individual soldiers were also commended for their performance.
In a separate engagement, Audu visited the Malam Fatori community, where he called for stronger collaboration between residents and security forces through the provision of timely intelligence. He also urged youths in the area to resist recruitment efforts by terrorist groups and avoid being used in criminal activities.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the MNJTF to boost troop morale and sustain operational momentum in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
