By Bavoriat Clara
The Consul General of the Republic of Chad in Maiduguri, Mr. Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, has called for enhanced security and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Chad to effectively tackle cross-border crimes and insurgency within the Lake Chad Basin region.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Mr. Bisso made the call during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Chadian Consulate to the Headquarters of OPHK in Maiduguri.
The Consul General emphasized that sustained collaboration between the armed forces of both nations is crucial to defeating Boko Haram and other transnational criminal networks threatening regional peace and stability.
He commended the Nigerian military for its courage, professionalism, and sacrifices in ongoing counterterrorism operations, describing the Nigeria–Chad security partnership as a model of regional cooperation.
On trade and border management, Mr. Bisso stressed the need for continuous dialogue to bridge communication gaps and strengthen trust. He noted that the Chadian government is sensitizing its citizens on Nigeria’s trade regulations and contraband policies, adding that “mutual understanding and cooperation remain key to maintaining border commerce and stability.”
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as a “trusted brother and strategic ally,” highlighting the deep cultural and security ties between both nations. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to working closely under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) framework to safeguard shared borders and waterways.
General Abubakar underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and operational coordination in ensuring the region’s safety, assuring the Chadian envoy that his concerns would be duly addressed. “Our duty is to protect legitimate trade and ensure that resources do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” he affirmed.
The visit also provided an avenue for both parties to deliberate on regional stability, cross-border trade, and the welfare of Chadian citizens residing in Nigeria. Mr. Bisso was accompanied by the Consulate’s Liaison Officer, Major Oumar Tahir Attahir.
The engagement was rounded off with the exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
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