Chadian troops withdrawn from Nigeria

Reports on Saturday indicated that approximately 1,200 Chadian troops deployed in Nigeria have been withdrawn by their country. The soldiers were initially deployed to support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram in 2019. The deployment was part of a decade-long regional agreement between countries surrounding Lake Chad to combat insurgency. 

Speaking on Saturday, a Chadian military spokesperson told AFP that "It's our troops who went to aid Nigerian soldiers months ago returning home. They have finished their mission”. He added that “None of our soldiers remains in Nigeria”. 

Chadian army colonel Azem Bermandoa further indicated that the withdrawn troops would be returned to their previous postings around Lake Chad in order to strengthen security at the border areas. 

Niger, Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon launched a joint offensive against Boko Haram in Nigeria in July of last year. The terrorist group has continued to launch successful attacks but its efficacy against military bases has appeared diminished in recent months. The head of Chad’s military, Tahir Erda Tahiro, said there could be scope for redeployment if all the countries agreed to a new joint measure. 

As yet it is unclear how the withdrawal of Chadian troops will affect counter-terrorism efforts. The Nigerian army has declined to comment. 

Photo credit: Nigerian Army | Facebook

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