Nigeria and Chad have agreed on the need to move quickly to make the Multinational Joint Task Force operational in order to restore peace and security in the North East of Nigeria and everywhere Boko Haram operates.
The Presidents of the two countries – Muhammadu Buhar (Nigeria) and Idriss Derby Itno (Chad) – have, therefore, called on the International Community to provide LCBC and neighbouring countries with all necessary support.
This was contained in a final communiqué issued at the end of bilateral talks between Nigeria and Chad in N’djamena.
Both leaders agreed that war on Boko Haram should be supported by emergency development initiatives in areas affected by this insurgency group.
This, they reasoned, will be the only way to overcome the harmful effects faced by local populations.
The two Heads of States, according to the communiqué, “strongly condemned the inhumane terrorist acts perpetrated on civilians in Nigeria and in its neighboring countries by Boko Haram insurgents.
“They underlined the consequences of insecurity which include displacement of people and disruption of their trading activities, livelihood, and destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria and the entire Lake Chad region.
“Both Heads of State expressed their willingness and commitment to collaborate at all levels to make more effective the common fight against the Boko Haram sect and restore peace and security which are vital for development in the region.
“His Excellency President MUHAMMADU BUHARI expressed his gratitude to His Brother and Friend, His Excellency President IDRISS DEBY ITNO for the vital role his country played to weaken this sect.
“Thereafter, he condoled the families of Chadian soldiers who passed away in the battle field, and paid special tribute to the gallant soldiers.
“President IDRISS DEBY ITNO commended the commitment of President MUHAMMADU BUHARI to eradicating the Boko Haram terrorist group.
“He also reaffirmed the commitment and availability of Chad to collaborate with Nigeria on both bilateral and multilateral levels.
“In this regard, His Excellency President IDRISS DEBY INTO agreed with the need to move quickly to make the Multinational Joint Task Force operational in order to restore peace and security in the north-east of Nigeria and everywhere Boko Haram operates.
“In this vein, the two Leaders called on the International Community to provide LCBC and neighboring countries with all necessary support.
“Both Heads of State agreed that war on Boko Haram should be supported by emergency development initiatives in areas affected by this insurgency group.
“This will be the only way to overcome the harmful effects faced by local populations.
“President MUHAMMADU BUHARI expressed his profound gratitude and sincere thanks to His Brother and Friend, His Excellency IDRISS DEBY ITNO, His Government and the good people of Chad for the warm and elaborate welcome granted to him and his delegation.”