Nigeria, Chad deepen security alliance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with neighbouring Chad. He pledged a renewed joint action to combat terrorism and banditry across the Lake Chad
- From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with neighbouring Chad.
He pledged a renewed joint action to combat terrorism and banditry across the Lake Chad region.
Tinubu made the declaration when he received his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Idriss Déby, at the State House, Abuja.
Both leaders met on regional security and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Tinubu described the visit as timely and said it offered an opportunity to reinforce bilateral ties and strengthen collaboration in addressing insecurity affecting countries within the region.
“Our discussions centred on the security challenges facing our region. Chad is a critical partner in the MNJTF, and together, we have resolved to combat terrorism, eliminate acts of terror and ensure the safety and sovereignty of our nations,” Tinubu said.
He noted that both countries remain key partners under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), established to tackle terrorism and other transnational threats in the Lake Chad Basin.
The President stressed that Nigeria and Chad share a collective responsibility to secure their borders and protect their citizens, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation among neighbouring states in achieving lasting peace.
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Tinubu also highlighted the longstanding relationship between both nations, noting that they are building on the legacy of past leaders to promote stability, economic growth and regional development.
“We have come a long way. What we inherited from our forebears is the responsibility to ensure peace and stability for the development of our region,” he stated.
He added that improved security would unlock greater trade, economic cooperation and social integration across borders, stressing that geographical and linguistic differences should serve as opportunities rather than barriers to progress.
The President said that discussions extended to broader regional collaboration, including engagement with neighbouring countries such as Niger, in a unified effort to defeat terrorism and promote shared prosperity.
“It is a joy and honour to welcome my brother to Abuja and to reassure our people that we will continue to work together to combat terrorism and secure a better future for our region,” Tinubu added.
The meeting marked Déby’s first official visit to Nigeria since Tinubu attended his inauguration in N’Djamena on May 23, 2024.
