Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Consul General of the Republic of Chad in Maiduguri, Mr. Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, has called for deeper security and economic collaboration between Nigeria and Chad to tackle cross-border crime and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
Mr. Bisso 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 emphasized that stronger synergy between both nations’ armed forces is vital to defeating Boko Haram and other criminal networks undermining regional peace and stability.
Commending the Nigerian military for its resilience and sacrifice in ongoing counterterrorism operations, Mr. Bisso noted that the collaboration between Nigerian and Chadian forces has become a model of regional partnership. Addressing trade and border issues, he appealed for continued dialogue to resolve communication gaps and assured that Chad was sensitizing its citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband policies.
In response, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” and reaffirmed the JTF’s commitment to close collaboration under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). General Abubakar highlighted the importance of information sharing and coordination in securing the region.
The visit also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss regional stability, cross-border trade, and the protection of Chadian citizens in Nigeria. Mr. Bisso was accompanied by the Consulate’s Liaison Officer, Major Oumar Tahir Attahir. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.
This visit comes amid a series of cross-border security events in 2025. In January, governors from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening stabilization and cross-border cooperation at the Lake Chad Basin Commission Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri. Early in the year, civil society organizations like CISLAC called for stronger implementation of cross-border security agreements, stressing intelligence-sharing and regional coordination. In November, Chad temporarily closed its border with Nigeria, deploying troops and armored vehicles after intelligence indicated potential terrorist movement. Earlier, Nigeria’s Defence Chief proposed fencing borders with neighboring states, including Chad, to prevent infiltration by armed groups, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
The visit underscores the importance of continued collaboration between Nigeria and Chad to secure the Lake Chad Basin and ensure the safety of citizens on both sides of the border.
Reported by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI.
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