NIGERIA: Chad Seeks Stronger Cross-Border Cooperation With Nigeria To Tackle Insecurity

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Consul General of the Republic of Chad in Maiduguri, Mr. Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, has called for deeper security and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Chad to effectively combat cross-border crime and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.

Mr. Bisso made the call when he led a delegation from the Chadian Consulate on a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Maiduguri.

He stressed that enhanced collaboration between the armed forces of both countries was essential to defeating Boko Haram and other criminal networks threatening regional peace and stability.

The Consul General commended the Nigerian military for its resilience and sacrifice in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts, describing the cooperation between Nigerian and Chadian forces as a model of regional partnership.

On trade and border relations, Mr. Bisso urged sustained dialogue to bridge communication gaps, assuring that the Chadian government was educating its citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband policies.

“Mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining border commerce and trust,” he stated.

In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” with whom Nigeria shares strong security and cultural ties.

He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to close collaboration under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which safeguards shared borders and waterways for the collective benefit of both nations.

General Abubakar emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and operational coordination to maintain regional stability.

“It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” he said.

The visit also provided a platform for discussions on regional peace, cross-border trade, and the welfare of Chadian citizens in Nigeria. Mr. Bisso was accompanied by the Consulate’s Liaison Officer, Major Oumar Tahir Attahir.

The event concluded with the exchange of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.