- vows to check influx of refugees, weapons
Nigeria has beefed up security at the nation’s border with Chad Republic following the tension raised by the killing of Chadian leader, President Idriss Deby, on the battlefield against rebels last Monday.
Addressing State House correspondents on Thursday, Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, said Nigeria was very much aware of the possible adverse security effect the Chadian situation could cause in the battle against insurgents in the Northeast.
According to Magashi: “If there’s no security in Chad there will be a lot of trouble for all neighboring countries. But thankfully we have a lot of ongoing military cooperation, through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF), which we expect to continue. We remain mindful of our borders and developments in Chad.
“When we heard of this unfortunate killing of the Chadian President, we knew that problem is bound to be replicated among neighbouring countries and Nigeria will be most hit by his absence.
“If there is insecurity in Chad, there will be a lot of problems. But thank God, we have a lot of military activities with Chad, Niger Cameroon, we have all that military concern.
“So, in the name of that multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF), all these countries, including Chad, are contributing countries for the operation.
“What we hope is that very soon, we will find a secure way for the continuation of the activities we’re supposed to be doing.
“The problem is now going to be aggravated and because we are not sure the direction in which that country is going to face.
“But I assure you that we are mindful of our borders, we are mindful of the development, and politically, the government is putting its head together to see how best they can restore the peace in that country.
“So, security wise, we’re beefing up all borders to ensure that refugees did not flow into our country. Even Nigerians there I’m sure some of them would like to come back. We have to make ready. Let’s prepare for them and not allow them to come in and use others to come because of the problems that they will create.
“On the issue of weapons and armament, we are also afraid that. Before now, Chad has been the one stopping most of the infiltration of weapons and the rest of it. Now, that is free for all, right from Libya down to Nigeria; it is very easy now because the absence of the influence of Chad on that route.
“So, we also have to take care of that. I think we are on top of the situation. All we are praying is that African countries will find a solution to the problem of Chad and get in a more corrective society as respected by international organisations.”
The Minister also frowned at the recent attacks on police formations in the Southeast of the country, saying that it is an affront on Nigeria’s security architecture that will no longer be tolerated by government.
Similarly, he warned against the type of attacks that killed 12 soldiers in Benue State, saying that “whoever touches the military has no regard for this country.”
He added that nine of 12 weapons belonging to the murdered soldiers have been recovered, and arrests are being made.
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