In the aftermath of a recent terrorist attack on Barkaram Island, which claimed the lives of several Chadian soldiers, President Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad welcomed a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser. The delegation also included senior military officials, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the importance of regional collaboration in combating terrorism.
The Nigerian delegation, which included General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Major General Ali Salau, Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), delivered a written message of condolence from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Déby. In his message, President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow for the loss of Chadian lives and offered full support to Chad in its fight against terrorism.
The attack on Barkaram Island, a known hotspot for extremist activity, underscored the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the Lake Chad Basin region. The meeting between the Nigerian delegation and President Déby focused on enhancing security cooperation between the two nations, which share a common interest in stabilizing the region. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening their partnership to tackle terrorism, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen military coordination.
Chad and Nigeria have long worked together as part of the broader regional efforts to combat extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The Nigerian delegation’s visit and the message of solidarity were a clear indication of Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Chad to address the growing security challenges in the region.
In their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the security and stability of the Lake Chad Basin, which is critical not only to the affected countries but also to the broader African continent. They also discussed practical steps to enhance the operational effectiveness of the MNJTF, which brings together the military forces of Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon in a concerted effort to combat insurgency.
The ongoing cooperation between Chad and Nigeria in the face of terrorism is crucial to maintaining peace in the region. As both nations continue to confront security challenges, their alliance is set to play a vital role in the broader fight against insurgency in West and Central Africa.