Tinubu and Chadian Leader Pledge United Front Against Terrorism

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to bolstering security ties with neighbouring Chad, pledging to revitalize joint efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Lake Chad region, during a meeting with President Mahamat Idris Deby Itno of the Republic of Chad.

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The meeting took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Tinubu received his Chadian counterpart, and the two leaders subsequently held a joint press conference focused on regional security and collective strategies to address emerging threats.

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Describing the visit as timely, President Tinubu noted that it provided an opportunity to reinforce bilateral ties and deepen collaboration in tackling insecurity affecting countries within the region, with Nigeria and Chad remaining critical partners under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

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Established to confront terrorism and other transnational threats in the Lake Chad Basin, the MNJTF is a key platform for cooperation between the two nations, with President Tinubu stressing that Chad is a critical partner in this endeavour.

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President Tinubu emphasized that discussions between the two leaders centred on the security challenges facing the region, with a resolve to combat terrorism, eliminate acts of terror, and ensure the safety and sovereignty of their nations.

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He also highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation among neighbouring states in achieving lasting peace, noting that both countries share a common responsibility to secure their borders and protect their citizens.

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The longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Chad was also underscored by President Tinubu, who noted that both nations are building on the legacy of their predecessors to promote stability, economic growth, and regional development.

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According to President Tinubu, improved security would have a positive impact on trade, economic cooperation, and social integration, and he emphasized that geographical boundaries and language differences should be viewed as opportunities rather than barriers to progress.

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Discussions between the two leaders also extended to broader regional collaboration, including engagement with neighbouring countries such as Niger, in a united effort to defeat terrorism and promote shared prosperity.

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President Tinubu assured citizens across the region of the continued commitment by their governments to address insecurity and create an enabling environment for development, stressing the importance of cooperation in achieving this goal.

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The Nigerian President welcomed his Chadian counterpart to Abuja, reaffirming the commitment of both governments to work together to combat terrorism and secure a better future for the region.

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The visit marked President Mahamat Idris Deby Itno's first official trip to Nigeria since President Tinubu attended his inauguration in N'Djamena on May 23, 2024.

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President Deby, 42, rose to power following the death of his father, former President Idriss Deby Itno, who was killed by rebels on April 20, 2021, while leading troops on the frontline.

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He was subsequently appointed head of a Transitional Military Council, later sworn in as transitional president in October 2022, and went on to win Chad's presidential election in May 2024.

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The meeting between President Tinubu and President Deby came just days after the Nigerian President hosted the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, on March 26, 2026, making President Deby the second foreign leader received by President Tinubu within a week.