January 23, (THEWILL) – Major General Godwin Mutkut officially assumed command as the new Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The handover ceremony took place at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad, where he succeeded Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali.
Mutkut’s appointment follows a tenure marked by notable achievements under Major General Ali, who bolstered regional security and counter-terrorism initiatives across the Lake Chad Basin.
In his inaugural address, General Mutkut expressed gratitude to the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the contributing member states for entrusting him with the responsibility.
He pledged to build on the successes of his predecessors and work toward strengthening peace and stability in the region.
“I am honored 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 stated.
During his valedictory remarks, Major General Ali congratulated his successor and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the MNJTF to greater heights.
He described General Mutkut as a seasoned officer with vast operational experience, having served as Commander of Sector 3 MNJTF, General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, and Force Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI in Nigeria.
Ali noted that General Mutkut’s familiarity with the security landscape of the Chad Basin region uniquely positions him to sustain and expand the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at MNJTF Headquarters, described General Mutkut as a seasoned and distinguished senior officer of the Nigerian Army.
His extensive operational experience, exemplary leadership, and commitment to duty were highlighted as key strengths he brings to the role.
Renowned as a determined and strategic leader, General Mutkut previously commanded the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, a division celebrated for its relentless operations against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s North West.
His appointment underscores the commitment of MNJTF member states to ensuring capable leadership in addressing the complex security dynamics within the Lake Chad region.
