A new Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Saidu Tanko Audu, has assumed command on Thursday at Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in N’djamena, Chad.

The Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Iweha Ikedichi, said Audu takes over from Maj.-Gen. Godwin Michael Mutkut, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as Corps Commander.

In his maiden address, Audu thanked the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him, consequent upon his deployment.

He commended his predecessor for his leadership and pledged to consolidate existing gains and synergy among components of the Multi National Joint Task Force.

He urged all personnel to remain disciplined, focused and innovative in the conduct of operations, while calling for stronger collaboration with communities and security stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Audu was redeployed from the Army Department of Training, following a recent Army Headquarters posting that redeployed senior officers after the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as other service chiefs.

In his comments, the outgoing Force Commander, Mutkut appreciated the Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission/Head of Mission MNJTF, Military Staff Officers, African Union Mission Support Team, the European Union and technical partners for their support and partnership, which has sustained the mission and enabled itto achieve its mandate.

He attributed the achievements recorded at the MNJTF to their professionalism and teamwork, urging them to extend the same support to his successor as he proceeds to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as Corps Commander.

Highlights of the ceremony included the signing and exchange of notes, the symbolic handover of the command flag and a group photograph.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, effected a major reshuffle, posting and appointing senior officers to command, staff, and training positions across the Nigerian Army shortly after he was decorated with his new rank by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on October 31 same day he assumed office.

A total of 67 generals, including Major Generals and Brigadier Generals, were moved to formations, units of the army as well as to principal positions at the army headquarters.

Some of the redeployed senior officers were Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, who was appointed the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam moved to the Defence Headquarters as the Chief of Defence Operations, while Maj. Gen. Peter Mala was posted to Training and Doctrine Command as Commander.

Also Maj. Gen. Samson Jiya moved from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.