TINUBU, CHAD PRESIDENT VOW JOINT ANTI-TERROR OFFENSIVE AS BOTH NATIONS PLEDGE RENEWED ACTION ON LAKE CHAD BASIN

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with neighbouring Chad and has pledged renewed joint action to combat terrorism and banditry across the Lake Chad region.

Tinubu made the pledge on Thursday while receiving the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where both leaders held a joint press conference focused on regional security and collective strategies to address emerging threats. Describing the visit as timely, Tinubu said it provided an opportunity to reinforce bilateral ties and deepen collaboration in tackling insecurity affecting countries within the region.

According to him, Nigeria and Chad remain critical partners under the Multinational Joint Task Force, established to confront terrorism and other transnational threats in the Lake Chad Basin. “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,” the President said. He stressed that both countries share a common responsibility to secure their borders and protect their citizens, noting that sustained cooperation among neighbouring states is essential for achieving lasting peace.

Tinubu also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Chad, saying both nations are building on the legacy of their predecessors 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 further disclosed that discussions extended to broader regional collaboration, including engagement with neighbouring countries such as Niger, in a united effort to defeat terrorism and promote shared prosperity.

The visit marks Déby’s first official trip to Nigeria since Tinubu attended his inauguration in N’Djamena on May 23, 2024. Thursday’s engagement comes just days after Tinubu hosted the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, on March 26, making Déby the second foreign leader received by the Nigerian President within a week.