The Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, has undertaken a strategic operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, was aimed at strengthening coordination between the MNJTF and Operation HADIN KAI ahead of ongoing and future joint operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Audu said he was at the Theatre Headquarters to formally introduce himself as the new Force Commander of the MNJTF, based in N’Djamena, and to reinforce operational synergy with OPHK. He stressed that sustained collaboration, vigilance, and continuous monitoring remain essential to stabilising the Lake Chad Basin, a region of shared security concern to all MNJTF member nations.
The MNJTF Commander commended the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for what he described as detailed, meticulous and insightful operational briefings. He noted that the briefings provided valuable lessons and highlighted the need to continuously refine strategies, address emerging threats and apply lessons learnt from previous operations to avoid setbacks.
Major General Audu was received by the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, who described the visit as timely and significant, coming at a critical period in the counter-terrorism campaign. He said the visit would further strengthen operational synergy between the MNJTF and Operation HADIN KAI.
During the assessment, the Force Commander received comprehensive briefings on current operations, including efforts to secure Lake Chad waterways, protect economic activities in the area and projections for future operations.
As part of the visit, Major General Audu commissioned the newly completed Sector 3 Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment. The facility consists of eight fully furnished one-bedroom flats designed to accommodate officers on administrative and welfare leave.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Theatre Commander congratulated the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF for the achievement, noting that the accommodation would enhance officers’ welfare and reduce unnecessary movement of personnel. He described the project as consistent with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldiers First” culture and urged commanders at all levels to prioritise troop welfare and replicate similar initiatives.
The visit also featured interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs to the Force Commander and group photographs, underscoring the strong collaboration between Operation HADIN KAI and the MNJTF in optimising operational platforms and enhancing counter-terrorism efforts along the Lake Chad waterways.
