By Nkechi Eze
The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, has conducted a confidence-boosting operational assessment visit to troops of the 68 Battalion in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, following their successful defence against a coordinated terrorist assault.
The visit, which took place on 19 March 2026 within Sector 3 of the MNJTF Area of Responsibility, came on the heels of a fierce multi-pronged attack launched by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements from the evening of 18 March into the early hours of 19 March. Troops of the battalion were reported to have repelled the હુમ assault with resilience, preventing the terrorists from overrunning the location and safeguarding the civilian population.
According to a statement by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, the Force Commander was accompanied by the Sector 3 Commander, Major General S. Tilawan, and the Acting Commander 19 Brigade, Colonel Emmanuel Okon Ikang, during the visit.
Addressing the troops, Major General Audu conveyed commendations from the Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, praising their gallantry, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. He noted that their determined defence not only neutralised the threat but also prevented the looting and harm of civilians in the area.
Following a detailed operational briefing, the Force Commander provided strategic guidance to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Ochigbo, and his team, urging sustained vigilance and preparedness against possible reprisal attacks by terrorist elements who suffered significant losses during the encounter. He emphasised teamwork, alertness, and firm resolve, charging the troops to remain steadfast and resolute in confronting any future threats.
He further assured the personnel of continued logistical support, pledging to escalate their operational needs to higher authorities. The visit also included an inspection of defensive positions, during which adjustments were made to trenches and gun placements to strengthen the unit’s defensive posture and enhance operational effectiveness. Individual soldiers were equally commended for their bravery.
In a further show of civil-military engagement, the Force Commander and his team visited the Malam Fatori community, where he urged residents to support security forces with timely and credible intelligence. He also cautioned youths against being lured into terrorist activities, including acting as couriers for explosives, stressing the importance of community resilience in the fight against insurgency.
The visit underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to boosting troop morale, strengthening operational readiness, and fostering community collaboration in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East.
