MNJTF Commander Seeks Stronger Military Alliance With OPHK Against Terrorism

By Odita Sunday

 

The Force Commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, has called for deeper collaboration and stronger joint military operations between the MNJTF and Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to intensify the fight against terrorism in the North-East.

 

The call was made during an operational visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday. The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.

 

During the visit, Major General Audu received a comprehensive briefing on the operations of OPHK and later held an interactive session with senior military officers aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two security formations.

 

The MNJTF Force Commander said the visit was designed to “brainstorm and generate a high volume of ideas” with OPHK towards achieving greater operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

 

He stressed that enhanced synergy and jointness between the MNJTF and OPHK remained critical to dismantling terrorist networks and denying insurgents freedom of action across the region.

 

According to him, collaborative efforts among the multinational forces remain the most effective strategy for decisively defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the Lake Chad Basin and North-East Nigeria.

 

Major General Audu also described the MNJTF as a unique multinational military alliance comprising troops from contributing nations working together to combat terrorism and insurgency.

 

He commended the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and troops of the theatre command for what he described as commendable operational achievements that have significantly curtailed insurgent activities in the region.

 

Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that it would further boost operational effectiveness and strengthen existing collaboration between OPHK and the MNJTF.

 

Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustained cooperation with the multinational force in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.

 

He added that the military remained resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property while creating a safer environment for socio-economic activities within the Lake Chad region.

 

The visit was attended by senior military officers, including the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; Deputy Force Commander MNJTF, Brigadier General Ndjonkep Frederic; Chief of Staff to the Theatre Commander, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed; component commanders, field commanders, and other principal staff officers.

 

Highlights of the visit included the inspection of a quarter guard, operational briefings, presentation of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph session.