President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged renewed collaborative action with Chad to confront terrorism and banditry in the Lake Chad region, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation with the Sahelian country.
He made the pledge on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, when he received Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno for high-level talks focused on regional security, cross-border stability, and a coordinated response to evolving threats in the sub-region.
Describing the visit as timely, the Nigerian leader said discussions with President Déby focused on the security challenges confronting the region, noting that Chad remains a crucial partner in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
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President Tinubu added that both countries had resolved to intensify joint efforts to combat terrorism, eliminate violent threats, and safeguard the safety, stability, and sovereignty of their nations.
He highlighted the shared responsibility of Nigeria and Chad to secure their common frontiers and protect their citizens, stressing that enduring peace in the region would depend on sustained collaboration among neighbouring countries.
He also reaffirmed the longstanding ties between both nations, noting that current efforts are anchored on the foundation laid by previous leaders to advance stability, economic prosperity, and regional development.
“We have come a long way. What we inherited from our forebears is the responsibility to ensure peace and stability for the development of our region,” he stated.
He added that improved security would unlock greater trade, economic cooperation, and social integration across borders, stressing that geographical and linguistic differences should serve as opportunities rather than barriers to progress.
The President further disclosed that discussions extended to broader regional collaboration, including engagement with neighbouring countries such as Niger, in a unified effort to defeat terrorism and promote shared prosperity.
“It is a joy and honour to welcome my brother to Abuja and to reassure our people that we will continue to work together to combat terrorism and secure a better future for our region,” Tinubu added.
Thursday’s meeting marked President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s first official visit to Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu attended his inauguration in N’Djamena on 23 May 2024.
VON
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