…As Consul General seeks deeper military, economic cooperation across Lake Chad Basin
By Reportcircle Defence & Regional Affairs Desk
In a renewed push for stability and economic recovery in the Lake Chad Basin, the Republic of Chad has called for stronger cross-border cooperation with Nigeria to confront insurgency, smuggling, and other transnational threats undermining regional peace.
The Chadian Consul General in Maiduguri, Mr. Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, made the call during a high-level visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on Monday.
He emphasized that closer coordination between the Nigerian and Chadian armed forces remained critical to defeating Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other criminal syndicates operating along their shared borders.
“Enhanced synergy between our two nations is essential for restoring peace and prosperity to the Lake Chad Basin,” Mr. Bisso said. “The fight against cross-border crime is one we must wage together no nation can win it alone.”
Beyond the battlefield, the Consul General underscored the importance of economic collaboration and trade harmonization to rebuild communities affected by years of insecurity.
He noted that trade disruptions and communication gaps have slowed recovery, adding that the Chadian government was actively sensitizing its citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband policies.
“Mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining border commerce and trust,” he said, urging both sides to maintain dialogue to prevent conflicts that often arise from trade restrictions and miscommunication.
Nigeria Reaffirms Strategic Alliance
Responding, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” with whom Nigeria shares deep historical, cultural, and security ties.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to joint operations under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the regional security framework coordinating counterterrorism and border protection across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
“It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” General Abubakar said. “Information sharing, coordination, and mutual respect remain the backbone of our partnership.”
Shared Security, Shared Prosperity
The visit, which also featured discussions on protection of Chadian citizens in Nigeria, information exchange, and bilateral coordination, was seen by defence observers as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional stability amid shifting security dynamics in the Sahel.
Mr. Bisso was accompanied by Major Oumar Tahir Attahir, the Consulate’s Liaison Officer. The meeting ended with the exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a joint photograph symbolizing renewed commitment to cooperation.
Analysts’ Take
Regional analysts say the visit signals a pragmatic shift toward security-driven diplomacy, as both nations seek to consolidate recent military gains against insurgents while unlocking economic opportunities along the Lake Chad corridor.
“Chad’s engagement shows that counterterrorism and trade are two sides of the same coin,” a security analyst told BusinessDay. “The more the two countries coordinate, the harder it becomes for non-state actors to exploit border gaps.”
Bottom Line:
As Nigeria and Chad tighten defence and economic collaboration, the message from Maiduguri is clear peace in the Lake Chad Basin will only hold if regional partners act together, share intelligence, and build prosperity across shared borders.
