Nigeria, Chad deepen security, trade ties amid rising regional tensions

The Chadian government has held talks with top officials of the Nigerian military as part of efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation on security and trade between both nations.

The meeting comes amid reports that Chad recently tightened border controls with Nigeria following intelligence reports of alleged foreign military activities in parts of West Africa.

In a statement on Wednesday, Sani Uba, media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, the Consul General of Chad in Maiduguri, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State. Uba noted that discussions focused on enhancing security coordination and economic collaboration in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Speaking during the visit, Mbami called for stronger ties between Nigeria and Chad to combat insurgency and transnational crimes. He stressed that improved synergy between both countries’ armed forces is crucial in defeating Boko Haram and other criminal networks undermining regional peace.

Mbami commended the Nigerian military for its resilience in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, describing the partnership between Nigerian and Chadian forces as “a model of regional cooperation.” He also emphasised the need for continuous dialogue to resolve trade and border-related challenges, noting that Chad is sensitising its citizens about Nigeria’s trade regulations and restrictions on contraband goods.

“Mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining border commerce and trust,” Mbami said.

Responding, Abdulsalam Abubakar, theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” with whom Nigeria shares deep security and cultural ties. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which safeguards shared borders and waterways for both nations.

Abubakar stressed the importance of intelligence sharing in regional security operations and promised to address the concerns raised by the Chadian delegation. “It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” he said.

Uba added that both delegations also discussed regional stability, cross-border commerce, and the welfare of Chadian citizens residing in Nigeria.

The meeting ended with an exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.