Major-General Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim has taken over as the new Force Commander of Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He takes over leadership from the erstwhile commander, Maj.-Gen. Jeleel Ogunlade.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Chad and made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Col. Muhammad Dole, on Friday.
The outgone force commander, Ogunlade said that the successes and milestones achieved so far were the result of the mutual respect, collaboration, and cooperation of all the stakeholders.
He urged the Military Staff Officers (MSOs) at the Headquarters to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor and to always remember and support the gallant forces in the field.
He acknowledged the support from the strategic partners of MNJTF such as the European Union (EU) and Centre for Coordination and Liaison (CCL) towards the attainment of operational objectives in the field.
Speaking, the new MNJTF commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim extolled the command and leadership qualities of Maj.- Gen. Ogunlade, describing him as a distinguished teacher and an accomplished general.
He said that the time had come to redouble efforts and employ new strategies to end the menace of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Lake Chad region.
He called for more cooperation, teamwork, purposeful leadership, and innovation as key elements towards realizing the mandates of the MNJTF.
The new commander expressed readiness to consolidate the exploits and unprecedented successes recorded by the previously distinguished generals who commanded MNJTF with distinction.
Part of the highlight of the handover was the decoration f Ogunlade with the MNJTF Medal by the Head of Mission of MNJTF, Amb. Mamman Nuhu.