A new Force Commander, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, has officially assumed command of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, following his redeployment from the Nigerian Army Department of Training.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF.

The change of command ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, marking the formal handover from the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, who is proceeding to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as Corps Commander.

In his farewell remarks, Maj. Gen. Mutkut expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission, military staff officers, the African Union Mission Support Team, the European Union, and other partners for their support throughout his tenure.

“The achievements recorded at MNJTF were made possible through professionalism and teamwork. I urge you to extend the same cooperation to my successor,” he said.

In his maiden address, the new Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Audu, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him.

He commended his predecessor’s leadership and pledged to sustain the momentum of operational synergy among MNJTF components.

“We must remain disciplined, focused, and innovative in our operations while deepening collaboration with local communities and security stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the Lake Chad region,” he stated.

The event featured the signing and exchange of handover notes, the symbolic presentation of the command flag, and a group photograph.