Boko Haram: Chadian Troops Not in Nigeria – Army

The Nigerian Army has refuted a claim by a spokesperson of Chadian Army that its troops fighting Boko Haram were in some parts of Nigerian territory, around Lake Chad.

Nigerian Army spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, described it as misleading.

Sagir noted that the statement allegedly made in Baga-Sola Headquarters Sector 2 MNJTF Chad by a Chadian senior officer, Col. Azem Aguna on April 9 in this regard was not correct.

He pointed out that the Nigerian military and the Chadian forces had been working together under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena,

Sagir, at a media briefing at Army Special Forces Super Camp at Ngamdu in Kaga area of Borno on Friday, quoted the statement as saying “The security and defence forces of Chad are deeply stationed in the islands of Niger and Nigeria wanted to handover to the respective army (sic) of these friendly nations.”

Sagir said the Nigerian Army found it necessary to clear the wrong impression or misinformation for history and posterity as well as to avoid spreading falsehood and mischievous publications.

“Members of the public are hereby informed that the Chadian operation at the Chadian side of the Lake Chad area is with the knowledge and support of Nigeria in honouring and furtherance of the existing multilateral cooperation between the LCBC countries under the Multi-National Joint Task Force.

“The operation was especially welcomed and supported by the Nigerian Army because it would deny the insurgents rear and logistics bases in Chad from where they often plan and launch attacks into Nigeria.

“It is hoped that the Chadian forces will sustain operations on their side of the border to permanently deny Boko Haram criminals of rear bases from where they can launch operations into Nigeria,” he said.

The spokesman added that the Chadian Operation BOMA WRATH took place only in Chadian territory and not on Nigerian territory, and that Chadian security and defence forces did not cross into the country.