The Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, on Tuesday undertook a strategic operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
During the visit, Major General Audu said the engagement was aimed at formally introducing himself as the new MNJTF Force Commander based in N’Djamena and strengthening coordination with OPHK ahead of joint and complementary operations. He stressed that effective collaboration, sustained vigilance and continuous monitoring remain critical to stabilising the Lake Chad Basin, a priority shared by all MNJTF member nations.
The MNJTF commander commended the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for what he described as detailed and insightful operational briefings. He noted that the presentations were meticulous and enlightening, while emphasising the need to continually refine operational strategies, factor in emerging threats and draw lessons from past operations to avoid setbacks. According to him, the visit underscores renewed regional cooperation and enhanced operational synergy.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar described the visit as timely and significant, noting that it came at a critical period in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin. He said the engagement provided an important platform to further strengthen MNJTF–OPHK collaboration.
As part of the operational assessment, Major General Audu received comprehensive briefings on ongoing operations, measures to secure the Lake Chad waterways and efforts to protect economic activities in the area, as well as future operational projections.
The Force Commander also commissioned the newly completed Sector 3 Officers’ Transit Accommodation at the Maimalari Cantonment. The facility comprises eight fully furnished one-bedroom flats designed to support officers on administrative and welfare leave and reduce unnecessary personnel movement.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Theatre Commander congratulated the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF on the milestone, describing the project as a significant contribution to troop welfare. He said the initiative aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldiers First” policy and urged commanders at all levels to prioritise personnel welfare and replicate similar initiatives.
The strategic visit featured operational briefings, interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs to the Force Commander and group photographs, reflecting the strong collaboration between OPHK and the MNJTF in optimising operational platforms and equipment for enhanced counter-terrorism operations along the Lake Chad waterways.
