By Miriam Humbe
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has commemorated the successful completion of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 (OPLS 2) with a Presentation of Medals ceremony that celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of its troops.
Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, the Chief Military Information Officer, Headquarters, MNJTF N’djamena, Chad disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
The OPLS 2 Medal presentation ceremony held at Headquarters of MNJTF Farcha in N’Djamena, Chad was graced by the Minister of Armed Forces, Veteran and War Victims of Chad, Issaka Maluoa Djamous, as the Special Guest of Honour, (SGoH).
Minister of Defence Chad, in a stirring address, commended the exceptional heroic action and dedication demonstrated by the troops throughout the operation.
He said that the success of OPLS 2 was not only a significant milestone but also a testament to the unwavering resolve and immense sacrifices of the troops.
The SGOH underscored the critical importance of collaboration between the MNJTF and national forces in restoring peace and stability across the sub-region.
He emphasized that solidarity and team work have contributed to strengthening the foundations of lasting peace in the region which has been plagued by instability for several years.
The SGOH also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the operation, reiterating that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The Force Commander (FC) MNJTF Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali highlighted the critical successes under OPLS 2 over the past year.
He said the achievements included repatriating over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, dismantling of crucial terrorists logistical bases, neutralisation of over 310 terrorists and the crippling of the Terrorists’ operational capabilities.
General Ali also reiterated that OPLS 2 also led to the arrest of over 160 logistics suppliers and informants as well as the surrender of more than 800 terrorists and their families as well as the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, indicating a decline in support for terrorism.
Major General Ali on behalf of the troops, expressed profound gratitude for the continued support and strategic direction provided by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, particularly by the Head of Mission during the operation.
He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of former force commanders, whose efforts in previous operations such as AMNI FAKAT, GAMA AIKI and YANCIN TAFKI laid the groundwork for the success of OPLS 2.
The occasion was graced by the Head of Mission MNJTF, Governors and Chiefs of Defence Staff of Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) and key Military Commanders from national forces.
Others are top government functionaries from Chad, Royal Fathers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the FC, DFC, Sector Commanders and troops for their outstanding contributions to OPLS 2.
The Chiefs of Defence Staff of TCCs were also honoured with the prestigious OPLS 2 Medal for their extraordinary contributions to regional peace and stability.
In addition, families of soldiers wounded or who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation were presented with tokens as a symbol of MNJTF’s profound gratitude and respect.
The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the newly remodelled MNJTF’s Photo Stand by the SGOH.
