The Chadian government has met with officials of the Nigerian military as part of efforts to strengthen cross-border collaboration on security and trade.
The development comes amid reports that Chad recently
tightened its border controls with Nigeria, following intelligence warnings
about alleged foreign military movements in parts of West Africa.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sani Uba, media information
officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, consul
general of Chad in Maiduguri, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the
headquarters of the joint task force (JTF) in Borno state.
Uba said the visit centred on improving security
coordination and economic cooperation between both countries in the Lake Chad
Basin.
Speaking during the visit, Mbami called for “stronger
security and economic collaboration” between Nigeria and Chad to tackle
cross-border crime and insurgency.
He said enhanced synergy between both nations’ armed forces
is critical to defeating Boko Haram and other criminal groups threatening
regional peace and stability.
The consul general commended the Nigerian military for its
resilience in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, describing the
collaboration between the Nigerian and Chadian forces as “a model of regional
partnership”.
Mbami also called for continued dialogue to address trade
and border challenges, adding that the Chadian government is sensitising its
citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband regulations.
“Mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining
border commerce and trust,” he said.
In his response, Abdulsalam Abubakar, theatre commander of
Operation Hadin Kai, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally”
with whom Nigeria shares deep security and cultural ties.
Abubakar reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the
Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which safeguards shared borders and
waterways for the benefit of both nations.
He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing in the
region’s security architecture, adding that the command would address the
issues raised by the consul general.
“It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that
goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” he said.
Uba said both delegations also discussed regional stability,
cross-border commerce, and the welfare of Chadian citizens living in Nigeria.
The visit, he added, featured the exchange of souvenirs,
signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.
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