Maiduguri, Oct. 14, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has paid tribute to the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of its soldiers who were either killed or wounded in action during Operation Lake Sanity II, a critical mission aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
In ceremonies held in Mora, Cameroon, and Maiduguri, Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the Force Commander of the MNJTF, presented compensation tokens to the families of fallen soldiers and wounded personnel. During his speech, Gen. Ali commended the unwavering bravery of the troops, noting that their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the high cost of freedom and peace in the region.
“Their actions remind us of the heavy price paid for freedom,” said Gen. Ali, as he emphasized the enduring legacy of the fallen soldiers, whose courage continues to inspire the ongoing fight for peace in the Lake Chad Basin. He reaffirmed the MNJTF’s commitment to upholding the peace and security for which the soldiers gave their lives.
Gen. Ali extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging their profound loss while stating that the compensation provided was a token of the MNJTF’s respect and gratitude. “Your loved ones served with honor and distinction, and their contribution to this noble cause will never be forgotten,” he said, encouraging the families to find solace in the fact that their loved ones had made a meaningful sacrifice for regional stability.
In addition to honoring the fallen, Gen. Ali also paid tribute to the resilience of wounded soldiers, praising their dedication to the mission despite their injuries. “Your bravery inspires us all,” he remarked, assuring the wounded that the MNJTF will continue to provide support for their recovery and rehabilitation.
Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Babayo, Commander of Sector III, also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, noting that while no compensation could ever equate to the ultimate sacrifice, the gesture was intended to provide assistance during this difficult time.
Representing the bereaved families, Mrs. Afusat Abubakar expressed gratitude for the MNJTF’s thoughtful gesture, acknowledging the support as a sign of respect and honor for their fallen loved ones.
The event saw the participation of senior military officials, including the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who joined Gen. Ali in presenting the compensation tokens to the families. The solemn ceremony also included a moment of silence in honor of the fallen heroes.
A similar ceremony took place in Mora, Cameroon, where Sector I Commander Col. Tookap Loti led the tribute, describing the soldiers as “valiant heroes” who laid down their lives in service of peace and security.
The MNJTF, established in 2015 to combat insurgency in the region, comprises troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Benin. It operates in four national sectors: Sector I in Cameroon, headquartered in Mora; Sector II in Chad, based in Baga-Sola; Sector III in Nigeria, located in Monguno; and Sector IV in Niger, stationed in Diffa.
The MNJTF was re-activated in late 2014 by the ministers of defense and chiefs of staff of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) states as a counterterrorism force. It has since grown to an operational capacity of around 10,000 troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, working together to combat insurgency and restore stability to the region.(NAN)
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