By Victor Akaa
The Nigerian Army has said no single Chadian forces were in the parts of Nigerian territory in the fringes of Lake Chad region as claimed by a Chadian Army Officer
Col. Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, made this known while briefing journalists at Army Special Forces Super Camp at Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area, Borno state.
He said, it became imperative to brief the world to know the truth as well as change the negative narrative about the claims that the Nigerian forces were not on ground in some areas around the Lake Chad region.
According to Musa, both countries armed forces (Nigerian military and the Chadian forces) had been jointly working together under the auspices of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad, it’s headquarters.
Col. Musa argued that, the alleged claims credited to Col. Azem Aguna , a Chadian senior officer dating April 9,alleging the absenteeism of Nigerian troops was not true, misleading and should be disregarded.
Musa further refuted the claims of the Chadian troops on Nigerian soil, saying no Chadian forces were stationed on any part of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army’s attention has been drawn to the said statement now circulating on social media claiming – “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.
“Nigerian Army wishes to state that there is no Chadian or any other foreign country’s troops on Nigerian side of the Lake Chad or in any other part of the Nigerian territory.
“As a responsible organisation, the Nigerian Army finds it necessary to clear the wrong impression or misinformation for history and posterity as well as to avoid spreading falsehood and mischievous publications.
“The operation was especially welcomed and supported by the Nigerian Army because it would deny the insurgent’s rear and logistics bases in Chad from where they often plan and launched 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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Chadian Operation BOMA WRATH took place only in Chadian territory and not on Nigerian territory.
“The Chadian security and Defence forces did not cross into Nigerian territory during the operation and thus there are no Chadian troops holding any Nigerian territory.
“The Nigerian Military is fully committed and in total support of the continued cooperation between Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria to finally and speedily decimate Boko Haram/ISWAP Criminals and put final end to terrorism in the region.
“Members of the public are requested to disregard the claim and misleading information that – “the Chadian security and Defence forces are deeply stationed in the islands of Nigeria waiting to handover,” he added
