Godwin Mutkut assumes office as MNJTF commander

Godwin Mutkut has officially assumed command as the force commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

The MNJTF is a regional security force that operates in the Lake Chad Basin to fight terrorism and stabilise the region.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the handover ceremony took place on Thursday, at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad.

Mutkut succeeded Ibrahim Ali whose tenure, according to the publication, was reportedly credited with strengthening regional security and counterterrorism efforts across the region.

In his inaugural address, Mutkut expressed gratitude to the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the member states — Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria — for entrusting him with the position.

Mutkut pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors, vowing to promote peace and stability in the region.

“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and committed to working closely with all stakeholders to consolidate our gains and address the evolving security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin,” Mutkut said.

Ali, in his valedictory remarks, congratulated his successor and expressed confidence in his ability to lead.

Ali harped on Mutkut’s vast operational experience, including his time as the commander of Sector 3 MNJTF, general officer commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, and force commander of Operation Hadarin Daji.

“He understands the security dynamics within the Chad Basin Region and will give his best in the campaign against terrorism,” Ali said.

Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff (COAS), appointed Mutkut to his new role on January 11.

The appointment was part of a major shake-up in the army which also saw the selection of new general officers commanding (GOCs), principal staff officers (PSOs), and corps commanders.