Force Commander (FC), Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, on 19 March 2026 conducted a confidence-boosting operational assessment visit to 68 Battalion, Malam Fatori, in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, Sector 3, MNJTF Area of Responsibility.
Details of the visit was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi.
The statement said the visit followed the gallant defence of the military deployment by troops during a multi-pronged attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists from the evening of 18 March 2026 into the early hours of 19 March 2026.
Accompanied by the Commander, Sector 3 Nigeria MNJTF, Major General S Tilawan alongside the Ag Commander 19 Brigade, Colonel Emmanuel Okon Ikang. The Force Commander conveyed commendations from the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa CFR (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The FC praised the troops for their gallantry, dedication, proactiveness, resilience and above all professionalism.
He noted their defensive determination also prevented the plunder of the civilian population in the area.
Following detailed operational briefing, the Force Commander provided further guidance to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Ochigbo and his officers, urging sustained vigilance and renewed commitment to prevent any attempt by BH for reprisal attack/threat due to the massive lost they suffered during theast encountered.
Addressing the troops, the FC emphasised the importance of teamwork, vigilance, and unwavering resolve to deal with the terrorist if they come again.
He charged them to remain steadfast and to show no mercy to the terrorists and enemies of the state. He also assured them of the prompt provision of logistics support, while pledging to escalate their concerns to higher authorities.
The Force Commander and the Sector 3 Commander subsequently inspected the defensive layout and made some defensive layout adjustment to improve the defensive location trenches and gun positions, offering additional guidance aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and boosting their morale. Commendations from higher headquarters were also conveyed to individual soldiers.
Finally, before departing the Mallam Fatori, the FC and the Sector Commandre visited the Mallam Fatori Community where the FC urged the community to support the troops with relevant and timely information.
He equally advised the male and female youths in the community to resist the lure of the terrorists to join their ranks or be used as couriers of suicide bombs to their community.