President relocates to Lake Chad set to personally lead Soldiers to fight Boko Haram – Crime Channels
President relocates to Lake Chad set to personally lead Soldiers to fight Boko Haram
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has followed in the footsteps of his late father by relocating to the Lake Chad region to personally lead military offensives against the Boko Haram terrorist group, in response to their recent attacks on Chadian cities Bohana and Barkaram, which resulted in the deaths of both civilians and military personnel.
Following the attacks, which occurred on October 27, 2024, President Itno, who had been overseeing the situation from the capital, made the decision to move to the frontlines, much like his late father, Idris Déby, who had led numerous military operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the region.
His father had died in April 2021 from injuries sustained during one such operation.
In addition to leading the military campaign, President Itno has voiced concerns about the lack of commitment from other members of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a coalition of countries fighting terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Chadian government is considering withdrawing from the MNJTF due to perceived inefficiencies, particularly in pooling resources and intelligence.
Since arriving at the Lake Chad border on October 28, 2024, Itno has personally overseen the response to the Boko Haram attacks, which included burying fallen soldiers and coordinating efforts to care for the wounded.
In retaliation, he launched Operation Haskanite, aimed at tracking down the terrorists responsible for the killings and eliminating the remnants of Boko Haram in the region.
This latest escalation comes after the killing of 40 Chadian soldiers on Barkaram Island, located near the borders of Nigeria and Niger, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by Boko Haram.
In response, a Nigerian government delegation, led by National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, met with President Itno to express condolences and offer support for Chad’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.
