Chadian officials meet Nigerian military after rumours of border closure

The Chadian government has met with officials of the Nigerian military as part of efforts to strengthen cross-border collaboration on security and trade.

The development comes amid reports that Chad recently tightened its border controls with Nigeria, following intelligence warnings about alleged foreign military movements in parts of West Africa.

In a statement on Wednesday, Sani Uba, media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, 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 said the visit centred on improving security coordination and economic cooperation between both countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

Speaking during the visit, Mbami called for “stronger security and economic collaboration” between Nigeria and Chad to tackle cross-border crime and insurgency.

He said enhanced synergy between both nations’ armed forces is critical to defeating Boko Haram and other criminal groups threatening regional peace and stability.

The consul general commended the Nigerian military for its resilience in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, describing the collaboration between the Nigerian and Chadian forces as “a model of regional partnership”.

Mbami also called for continued dialogue to address trade and border challenges, adding that the Chadian government is sensitising its citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband regulations.

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

In his response, 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.

Abubakar reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which safeguards shared borders and waterways for the benefit of both nations.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing in the region’s security architecture, adding that the command would address the issues raised by the consul general.

“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 said both delegations also discussed regional stability, cross-border commerce, and the welfare of Chadian citizens living in Nigeria.

The visit, he added, featured the exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.