The Chadian government has held a strategic meeting with top Nigerian military officials to enhance cross-border cooperation on security and trade in the Lake Chad Basin region.
The meeting followed reports that Chad recently tightened its border controls with Nigeria after receiving intelligence about alleged foreign military movements across parts of West Africa.
According to a statement on Wednesday by Sani Uba, the media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, the Chadian Consul General in Maiduguri, Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State.
Uba said discussions focused on improving coordination between both countries in combating cross-border crime, insurgency, and enhancing economic cooperation.
Mbami, in his remarks, called for “stronger security and economic collaboration” between Nigeria and Chad, stressing that sustained partnership is vital to ending terrorism and restoring stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
He commended the Nigerian military for its efforts in counter-terrorism operations, describing the synergy between both forces as “a model of regional partnership.”
The Chadian envoy also underscored the importance of continuous dialogue to address trade and border management challenges.
“Mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining border commerce and trust,” Mbami said, adding that Chad was sensitising its citizens about Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband restrictions.
He noted that improving relations between both countries would not only secure borders but also boost legitimate trade and strengthen socio-economic ties among border communities.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Regional Security
Responding, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” with whom Nigeria shares deep historical, cultural, and security ties.
Abubakar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), saying it remains the backbone of regional security efforts across the Lake Chad Basin.
“It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” Abubakar said, promising to address all issues raised by the Chadian delegation.
He also stressed the importance of intelligence sharing among regional partners, noting that collaboration was key to defeating insurgency and stabilising the area.
The meeting concluded with both delegations reaffirming their shared commitment to regional peace and sustainable development.
Uba said the visit featured discussions on regional stability, cross-border commerce, and the welfare of Chadian citizens residing in Nigeria.
He added that the engagement ended with the exchange of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.
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