Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on thursday received his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing growing security concerns in the Lake Chad Basin.
The visit marks Déby’s first official trip to Nigeria since his inauguration in 2024. It comes at a time when countries in the region are grappling with escalating threats from insurgent groups and cross-border criminal activities.
Both leaders held closed-door talks focusing on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Chad, particularly in the areas of security, trade, and regional stability.
READ ALSO: Conflicting Narratives Emerge After Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Chad’s Presidential Palace
The meeting underscored the long-standing relationship between the two neighbouring countries, which share not only borders but also common security challenges.
Discussions were largely centred on the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin, where extremist groups such as Boko Haram and IS-affiliated militants continue to pose serious threats to civilian populations and national stability.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Chad and other regional partners to combat insurgency and restore peace to affected communities. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration through joint military efforts and intelligence sharing.
For his part, President Déby emphasized the need for stronger regional unity in addressing security threats, noting that no single country can tackle the challenges alone.
He called for renewed coordination among Lake Chad Basin countries to effectively dismantle terrorist networks and secure borders.
The meeting also touched on broader diplomatic and economic relations, with both leaders expressing willingness to expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and cross-border commerce.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Strengthened Security Cooperation
Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in the fight against terrorism, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin. - Commitment to Joint Military Efforts
Renewed support for coordinated military operations and intelligence sharing against insurgent groups. - Regional Stability Focus
Emphasis on working with neighbouring countries to address cross-border threats and restore peace. - Expansion of Bilateral Relations
Agreement to explore greater cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and economic development. - Diplomatic Engagement
Reaffirmation of strong diplomatic ties and continued high-level engagements between Nigeria and Chad.