The commander noted that the colonial differences and national boundaries must not prevent the regional military cooperation in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency among the four MNJTF countries of Nigeria, Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroon.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Chief of Military Public Information, Col Timothy Antigha, the commander spoke when he visited the “amphibious units of the Task Force in Mahada and Blangoua on the shores of Lake Chad.”
While addressing troops of Sub-sector 4 of Sector 1, Yusuf said, “There is the need for discipline and the need for synergy between Chadian and Cameroonian forces deployed in the locality. I urge you to operate seamlessly across national boundaries in line with the spirit of the MNJTF.
“The international border separating you is colonial relics that should not prevent you from sharing information and undertaking joint operations to flush out Boko Haram terrorists lurking in your localities.
“I urge commanders to engage with their host communities and ensure that their protection is of utmost importance. Such engagements will build the much needed mutual confidence and cohesion needed to defeat the Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency.”
The Force Commander also inspected equipment and the state of readiness of troops, assuring them that urgent steps would be taken to address lapses observed.