By Nkechi Eze
The Chadian Government has conferred its prestigious “Officer of the National Order of Chad” award on Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in recognition of his exceptional contributions to promoting peace and security in the Lake Chad region. This honor acknowledges Major General Ali’s outstanding leadership and dedication to stabilizing the region.
A press statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Military Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba states that; The award which is one of the highest honours bestowed by the Republic of Chad, was presented by the Honorable Minister of the Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims, Issaka Malloua Djamouss, on behalf of the President of Chad Field Marshal Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.
The Honourable Minister stated that the award is typically reserved for a personality who have made exceptional contributions to the region’s stability. He specifically highlighted the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2, led by General Ali, which resulted in the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, the dismantling of key terrorist logistics bases, and the significant disruption of terrorist operations.
In his acceptance remarks , General Ali expressed his deep gratitude to the President of Chad and the Minister of Defense Chad for the esteemed recognition and honour. He said that the award will be dedicated to troops of the MNJTF for their act of valor and bravery during Operation Lake Sanity 2.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including HE Amb Mamman Nuhu, Head of Mission MNJTF and Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). Other notable attendees included Lt Gen Ramadan Erdibou, Chief of Staff to the President of Chad, and Lt Gen Djouma Youssouf Mahamat Itno, Commander of Sector 2 MNJTF.
Additionally, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, and several other key military commanders from Chad were also present at the event.
