The Chief Security Adviser for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Nigeria, Mr Senyo Kufe, and the Consul General of the Republic of Chad in Maiduguri, Mr Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, have called for deeper collaboration to defeat the Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of criminality in the North East.
They made the call on Wednesday after paying separate visits to the Theatre Command and Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri.
Kufe, who assumed office in August 2025, said that the visit was an opportunity to reinforce the bond between the UN and the Theatre Command.
He added that his visit to Maiduguri would undoubtedly allow him to gather firsthand information, noting that without military UN staff, they cannot stand on their own in the North East Region.
He described the North East as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s security operations, noting that the region plays a pivotal role in national and humanitarian security.
The chief security adviser appreciated the Theatre Command for its support, security guidance, and assessment, especially in the area of physical security.
Also speaking, Mr Udit Mehta, Area Security Adviser and Field Coordination Officer, North East, expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his purposeful leadership, sustained collaboration, and unwavering support to the UNDSS.
He emphasised that the visit was aimed at strengthening the partnership and seeking enhanced cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel operating in the North East.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to supporting the UNDSS in achieving its mandate.
He highlighted ongoing military operations and rescue efforts in the region, stressing the importance of maintaining strong civil-military relations and continuous partnership with the UN and other international stakeholders.
The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said in a statement that the discussion during the visit centred on strengthening collaboration in areas such as emergency preparedness, disaster response, information sharing, and security management.
On his part, the Consul General of the Republic of Chad in Maiduguri, Mr Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, sought deeper security and economic collaboration between Nigeria and Chad to combat cross-border crime and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
Mbami said enhanced synergy between both nations’ armed forces remained vital to defeating Boko Haram and other criminal networks undermining regional peace and stability.
The Consul General commended the Nigerian military for its resilience and sacrifice in the ongoing counterterrorism operations, noting that the collaboration between the Nigerian and Chadian forces has been a model of regional partnership.
On trade and border issues, Mbami appealed for continued dialogue to resolve communication gaps, assuring that the Chadian Government was sensitising its citizens on Nigeria’s trade laws and contraband policies.
He stressed that “mutual understanding and cooperation are key to sustaining border commerce and trust.”
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Chad as “a trusted brother and strategic ally” with whom Nigeria shares enduring security and cultural bonds.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to close collaboration under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which continues to safeguard shared borders and waterways for the benefit of both nations.
Abubakar emphasised the importance of information sharing and coordination in securing the region, assuring the Consul General that his concerns would be addressed. “It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists.”
