By Nkechi Eze
The Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, Major General Saidu Audu, on Tuesday undertook a strategic operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, in a move aimed at deepening coordination and enhancing joint operational effectiveness across the Lake Chad Basin.
Major General Audu, who was warmly received by the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, said the visit marked his formal introduction as the new Force Commander of the MNJTF, headquartered in N’Djamena, and underscored his commitment to close collaboration with the Nigerian-led theatre command ahead of ongoing and future joint operations.
In his remarks during the visit, the MNJTF Force Commander emphasised that effective coordination, sustained vigilance and continuous monitoring remained critical to stabilising the Lake Chad Basin, which he described as a shared strategic priority for all MNJTF member nations. He noted that the evolving nature of the threat environment required constant adaptation and seamless cooperation among regional forces.
Commending the Theatre Commander and his team for the comprehensive operational briefs presented, Major General Audu described the briefings as “meticulous and enlightening,” adding that they provided valuable insights into current operations, emerging threats and future projections. He stressed the importance of refining operational strategies, incorporating lessons learned from previous engagements and proactively addressing new security challenges in order to prevent operational setbacks and consolidate gains.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as timely and highly significant, noting that it came at a critical period in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East and along the Lake Chad waterways. He lauded the Force Commander’s presence as a strong signal of renewed commitment to regional cooperation and an opportunity to further strengthen operational synergy between the MNJTF and Operation Hadin Kai.
During the visit, Major General Audu received detailed briefings on ongoing operations, including measures being implemented to secure the Lake Chad waterways, protect fishing and other economic activities, and deny terrorists and criminal elements freedom of movement and sources of livelihood. He was also briefed on future operational projections and plans aimed at sustaining pressure on insurgent groups across the theatre.
As part of the strategic assessment, the MNJTF Force Commander commissioned the newly completed Sector 3 Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Military Cantonment. The modern facility comprises eight fully furnished one-bedroom flats designed to cater for officers on administrative and welfare-related duties. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Theatre Commander congratulated the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF on the milestone achievement, noting that the facility would significantly reduce unnecessary personnel movement while enhancing officers’ welfare.
Major General Abubakar described the project as being in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldiers First” culture, urging commanders at all levels to prioritise troop welfare and emulate such people-centred initiatives that directly impact morale and operational efficiency.
The visit featured extensive operational briefings, interactive sessions between senior commanders, the presentation of souvenirs to the Force Commander, and group photographs. These activities reflected the strong spirit of collaboration between Operation Hadin Kai and the MNJTF, as both formations continue to work closely to ensure optimal use of operational platforms and equipment in the collective effort to enhance counter-terrorism effectiveness and restore lasting peace and stability across the Lake Chad Basin.
