Fresh Boko Haram Trouble For Nigeria As Chad Breathes Fire

Chad is threatening to withdraw from the regional force tackling the Boko Haram group bringing forward threats of more problems for Nigeria

In a move that could further compound Nigeria’s security problems, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno of Chad has signaled a potential withdrawal of Chadian troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in response to a recent Boko Haram attack.

In a statement obtained by PRNigeria, President Deby oversees military operations at the Lake Chad border following an assault on a Chadian National Army position in Barkaram on October 27, 2024. The attack resulted in casualties among the soldiers, prompting an immediate assessment and response from the President.

The press release, issued by Hassan Abdelkerim Bouyëbri, the Director General of Communication in the Presidency, quoted President Deby as contemplating Chad’s withdrawal from the MNJTF, citing “the lack of unified action against Boko Haram as the coalition appears to be losing momentum in the fight against this common enemy.”

Since arriving on October 28 at the war front, President Deby has been assessing the situation, ensuring proper burials for fallen soldiers and organizing medical care for the injured. In response to the heightened threat, he has established a local command center to lead operations against the militant group.

During his visit to the Lake Chad province, President Deby outlined several efforts aimed at countering Boko Haram, including the launch of Operation Haskanite to locate and neutralize remaining militants, reorganizing defense forces to adapt to the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by terrorist groups, and strengthening measures to secure borders and protect citizens—all while considering a withdrawal from the MNJTF.

President Deby reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of Chad’s citizens, emphasizing that the nation remains dedicated to its responsibilities in the ongoing battle against terrorism.

PRNigeria reports that the MNJTF is a combined force comprising military units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, working together to combat the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin region. Established in 1994, the MNJTF initially focused on trans-border armed banditry but expanded its mandate in 2012 to include counter-terrorism operations. The task force operates under the authorization of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and has undergone significant restructuring since its inception.

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