Major General Godwin Mutkut has officially taken over as the new Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), following a formal handover ceremony held at the MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Chief Military Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
General Mutkut succeeds Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, who led the task force with notable success, particularly in enhancing regional security and strengthening counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin.
In his first address as Force Commander, General Mutkut expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and member states. He promised to continue the work of his predecessors, aiming to further the mission of the MNJTF to foster 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,” he said.
In his farewell speech, Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali extended his congratulations to General Mutkut, expressing full confidence in his successor’s ability to lead the MNJTF.
He highlighted General Mutkut’s wealth of experience, including his leadership of Sector 3 of the MNJTF, his role as the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, and his command of Operation HADARIN DAJI in Nigeria.
General Ali noted that Mutkut’s deep understanding of the security dynamics in the Lake Chad region would be key in continuing the fight against terrorism.
Major General Mutkut, a seasoned officer known for his strategic leadership and relentless drive, brings a wealth of operational experience to the role. His appointment reflects the commitment of the MNJTF’s member states to ensuring capable leadership in the complex security landscape of the Lake Chad Basin.
