Chad-Nigeria Relations: President Déby Receives High-Level Delegation from Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, received a high-level Nigerian delegation in N’Djamena on Sunday, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two nations amid escalating security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin.
The delegation, led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Major General Ali Salau, Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), among other senior security officials.
Delivering a written message from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu expressed condolences over the recent terrorist attack on Chad’s Barkaram Island, which claimed the lives of several Chadian soldiers. The Nigerian leader also conveyed solidarity with Chad, a key partner in regional security efforts.
Strengthening Regional Security
The talks focused heavily on security cooperation, with both countries pledging to intensify joint operations against jihadist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
Ribadu described the discussions as “fruitful,” adding that Nigeria is committed to working more closely with Chad to tackle shared security threats.
“The mixed force will soon have a new face, aimed at exterminating the common enemy,” Ribadu said, referring to the MNJTF—a coalition of troops from Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger.
General Christopher Musa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing plans to enhance interoperability between the two nations’ militaries through coordinated efforts to root out terrorist networks.
Chad and Nigeria share deep historical and strategic ties, which the leaders vowed to strengthen further. The visit underscores Nigeria’s recognition of Chad’s critical role in maintaining stability across the region.
“This hearing confirms that the destinies of Abuja and N’Djamena are intertwined,” a Chadian official said, adding that the discussions mark a renewed commitment to bilateral and multilateral initiatives.
The meeting signals a significant step toward closer cooperation, with both nations reaffirming their resolve to confront the challenges threatening peace and security in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
