The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has honoured at least 6,000 troops with medals for gallantry in the fight against insurgency.

The MNJTF are drawn from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Chad, the force commander of MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. A.K Ibrahim said the awardees served with distinction and honour and remained good ambassadors of their respective countries.

“I, however, hasten to say that the work is not completely done yet, but we shall get there,” Mr Ibrahim said.

He observed that since it began operations seven years ago, the MNJTF has conducted eight successful operations leading to neutralising thousands of terrorists and the surrender of many others, which is still ongoing.

“So far, over 200,000 Internally displaced persons and refugees have returned to their ancestral homes across the entire region.

“These include those who fled and have returned to their hometowns in Baroua, N’gagam, N’garwa Koura in Diffa, Niger Republic; Cross-Kauwa, Baga, Doroa-Baga in Borno, Nigeria; Kolofata, Makari and Fotokol in Cameroon, and Madai, Kangalia in Chad amongst many others,” Mr Ibrahim said.

While reiterating the force’s commitment to its assigned tasks, the commander lauded the host country and other strategic partners, particularly European Union, African Union, United States, United Kingdom, France and the centre for coordination and liaison for their support.

In his message, the Head of Mission of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, lauded the effective role of the MNJTF in the fight against terrorism and member states to sustain their commitment to it.

In his speech, the Special Guest of honour, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, also lauded the task force for its effort in securing the region and assured it of Nigeria and Borno government support.

He lauded the ongoing mass surrender by some insurgents and urged support.

(NAN)