By Nkechi Eze
In a strategic effort to bolster regional security and stability, the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Mutkut, and the Commander of Cameroon’s 4th Joint Military Region, Major General Saleh Mahamadou, have pledged to deepen operational collaboration in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
The renewed commitment was made during a high-level operational visit by Major General Mutkut to the headquarters of Operation Emergence 4 in Cameroon. In a statement signed by the Chief Military Public Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the visit was described as a strategic move aimed at reinforcing joint efforts to decisively counter the persistent threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Major General Mutkut emphasized that both the MNJTF and Operation Emergence 4 face a common enemy that has wreaked havoc across the region for over 15 years, draining national resources and resulting in devastating loss of lives and property. “I came to see the Commander Emergence 4 eye ball to eye ball to share insights, address challenges, and to forge a joint coordinated strategy to overcome the region’s security threats,” he stated.
He stressed that the renewed synergy would go beyond the MNJTF and Cameroonian forces, extending to all regional stakeholders committed to securing the Lake Chad Basin. He also urged Troop Contributing Countries to maintain their support and solidarity, which he described as crucial for sustaining and strengthening the joint counter-terrorism mission.
In response, Major General Mahamadou lauded the MNJTF for its significant contributions to improving security and reviving economic activities across the region. He assured that his troops remain ready to provide every form of support and cooperation needed to leverage the combined strength of both forces in defeating the insurgents.
As part of his visit, Major General Mutkut also paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, His Excellency Midjiyawa Bakare. During the visit, he assured the governor that a strategic shift is underway in counter-terrorism operations, promising that enhanced collaboration would yield more tangible results in the coming months.
