Tinubu, Déby deepen Nigeria–Chad security alliance, vow intensified anti-terror fight
… As leaders meet in Abuja, reaffirm MNJTF commitment … Pledge coordinated action across Lake Chad region President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening security cooperation
... As leaders meet in Abuja, reaffirm MNJTF commitment
... Pledge coordinated action across Lake Chad region
- From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with neighbouring Chad, pledging renewed joint action to combat terrorism and banditry across the Lake Chad region.
Tinubu made the declaration while receiving his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Idriss Déby, at the State House, Abuja, where both leaders held high-level talks centred on regional security and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Describing the visit as timely, the Nigerian leader 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.
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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.
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 further disclosed 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.
Thursday’s meeting marked Déby’s first official visit to Nigeria since Tinubu attended his inauguration in N’Djamena on May 23, 2024.
Déby, 42, rose to power following the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed by rebels on April 20, 2021, while leading troops on the frontline.
He was subsequently appointed head of a Transitional Military Council, sworn in as transitional president in October 2022, and later won Chad’s presidential election in May 2024.
