The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, has sought stronger synergy between the MJTF and national forces to enhance effective operation against Boko haram/ Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.
Gen. Yusuf made the plea during his 3-day operational visit to Cameroonian formations/units in Maroua in the Far North Region of the Republic of Cameroon, according to a statement made available on Sarurday to Blueprint by MNJTF spokesperson, Col. Mohammed Dole.
The MNJTF is a combined military formation from the Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, with headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.
The MJTF Sector is located in the Republic of Cameroon, and its operations are closely linked with the operations of other formations of the Cameroonian Defence Forces.
The Commander of Fourth Joint Military Region, Republic of Cameroon, Maj. Gen. Saly Mohamadou who received the MJTF Commander at the Force headquarters, praised the existing seamless synergy and collaboration among Operations EMERGENCE, ALFA and troops of Sector 1 of MNJTF.
He urged the MTIF Commander to explore additional areas in which the two operations could further consolidate on the operational successes recorded. Gen. Saly expressed willingness to continue with joint operations between the national and MNJTF forces in the region.
In his remarks, The MJTF Commander acknowledged the need for sensitisation of national forces on the imperative of non-kinetic measures as complimentary efforts to kinetic operation to ensure continuous insurgents defection.
He said that winning public support was a tested veritable strategy for successful counter insurgency operations in the region. Gen. Yusuf therefore urged both the national and MNJTF forces Commanders to sustain regular operational visits for better understanding and mutual benefits.
MNJTF Commander also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari, where he ( the Governor) applauded the sacrifices of soldiers from the MNJTF troops contributing countries, and assured that the ongoing military operations would bring peace and security for sustainable development of the region.
Bakari commended the MNJTF for stabilising and restoring relative peace to the Lake Chad Basin.
In his response, Gen. Yusuf appreciated the political support and public goodwill extended to Sector 1 of MNJTF, adding that the support had facilitated the smooth execution of non-kinetic operations, that has led to the surrender of several insurgents in Sector 1 area of operation.
He said the MNJTF was committed to creating a conducive environment for return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes of origin to pursue their legitimate economic activities.
