The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Camp Farcha, N`Djamena, Republic of Chad, a joint military effort of the Lake Chad Basin countries, which include: Nigeria, Cameroun, Benin Republic, Niger and Chad, has announced a change of officers at the helms of its affairs.

This was the high point of a medal parade ceremony held on Wednesday for the outgoing Military Staff Officers (MSOs), having completed their one year tour of duty. 

Eons intelligence gathered that a total of Twenty-Four (24) MSOs from Republics of Benin, Nigeria and Chad were decorated with MNJTF medals and the Operation YANCIN TAFKI medal in recognition of their meritorious service for peace and security in the Lake Chad region. 

The Force Commander (FC), MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim said the "Award of medals remains one of the most globally cherished and sacred traditions of the Military in recognition of bravery, gallantry, heroism, or meritorious service."

The FC, MNJTF noted that since its inception, the Force conducts operations and undertakes other non-kinetic activities towards the achievement of its mandate, which is to deplete the operational capacities of bandits and terrorists to the barest minimum.

He pointed out that, the operations and activities, which are co-ordinated at HQ MNJTF by MSOs, have yielded notable successes, including the liberation of communities previously held by the terrorists. 

He said the MNJTF has also rescued thousands of captives, neutralized countless number of insurgents and resettled thousands of refugees and IDPs back to Banki town, Baga and Doron Baga in Nigeria, Amchide and Kolofata in Cameroon and Baroua in Niger Republic, among others.

The FC also refuted the allegations of human rights abuses by Soldiers, as reportef in some sections of the media. He said, there are no records of mistreatment of civilians, repentant BH or ISWAP fighters. 

He confirmed the killing of key BHT/ISWAP leaders like Abu Musab Al-Barnawi and Mallam Bako. He assured that the Force had details of likely successors on its radar as well. He called on ther BHT/ISWAP criminals to embrace peace by dropping their arms and surrendering to security forces. 

Also present at the ceremony were: the Chadian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Abakar Abdelkarim Daoud, represented by Major General G Mandjita, the Ambassadors of Niger and Cameroon, the representative of Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chadian Chief of Air Staff, Representative of Head of Mission, MNJTF, Resident Special Representatives of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU) and African Union (AU). 

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