AGP Executive Report

Lake Chad Security: The African Union plans to deploy its mobile Standby Force to support the Multinational Joint Task Force against terrorism. At a regional security forum, officials also called for stronger intelligence-sharing and more reliable funding. CEMAC Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across the bloc, including Chad, on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though the locations and procedures are still to be announced. Central African Reserves: BEAC’s board approved a 2027–2030 plan to buy gold from within CEMAC, at a meeting in N’Djamena. The bank has yet to disclose purchase volumes, funding or when buying will begin. Task Force Funding: A regional report warns that money and equipment shortages are weakening the Lake Chad force as violence rises. Nigeria carries much of the cost; Niger has suspended participation, while Chad previously threatened to withdraw.

Regional Diplomacy: Chad’s Labour and Public Service Minister Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami met with Qatar’s labour minister on the sidelines of a Tanzania dialogue on fair labour mobility between Africa and Gulf states. Lake Chad Security: Funding shortfalls are straining the multinational force fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP as violence rises across the basin. Nigeria has shouldered most costs; Niger has suspended participation, and Chad has threatened to withdraw. Cross-Border Cooperation: Cameroon and Nigeria pledged closer work on security and counterterrorism, while Cameroon plans a new elite unit in its Far North to respond to renewed attacks and support affected communities.

Regional Security: Cameroon and Nigeria pledged closer cooperation on border security and counterterrorism, with shared challenges including armed groups in the Lake Chad Basin. Labour Diplomacy: Chad’s public service minister joined counterparts at the Doha Dialogue on labour mobility, which brought together officials from more than 33 countries. Lake Chad Force: Funding and equipment gaps are straining the multinational task force as violence rises; Niger has suspended participation, while Chad has previously threatened to withdraw, adding pressure on remaining members. France Ties: N’Djamena and Paris are rebuilding relations through business and diplomacy, with both sides signaling a shift toward economic cooperation and a more discreet security partnership. U.S. Relations: A U.S. Senate committee held a hearing on William Flens, nominated to be ambassador to Chad.

Lake Chad Security: ISWAP fighters attacked a military base in Nigeria’s Borno State near Lake Chad; Nigerian forces said they killed more than 25 militants, though soldiers also died. Separately, troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Magumeri who investigators say operated near the Lake Chad region and Niger. Regional Force Under Strain: The Multinational Joint Task Force, which includes Chad, faces funding and equipment shortages as violence rises. Niger has suspended participation, and past reports that Chad could withdraw add pressure on the remaining partners. Chad-France Ties: N’Djamena and Paris are rebuilding relations through business and diplomacy, alongside quieter security cooperation, after Chad ended their defence pact and French troops left in 2024.

Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops repelled an ISWAP assault near Lake Chad, with more than 25 militants reported killed and some soldiers also reported dead or wounded. The attack highlights the threat facing the region as funding and equipment gaps strain the multinational force, with Niger’s participation suspended and Chad previously reported to have threatened withdrawal. Chad–France Relations: N’Djamena and Paris are rebuilding ties through business and diplomacy after Chad ended their defence pact in 2024; both sides say they want a broader relationship, with security cooperation taking a less visible role. U.S. Diplomacy: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on William Flens’s nomination as ambassador to Chad.

Elections & Governance (Nigeria): INEC is again pressing Abuja to release remaining election funds ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that delays could disrupt preparations; civil society groups back the demand and warn against any party/candidate interference in the process, while INEC also says some parties have not nominated presidential candidates. Regional Security (Lake Chad): Security experts warn the Multinational Joint Task Force is running short of money as violence rises around Lake Chad, with Nigeria carrying much of the cost and calls growing for stronger regional funding and support. North-East Security & Military Cooperation: Nigeria’s defence leadership highlights intensified counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States, including intelligence sharing and special forces training, as troops report major operations against extremists and thwarted kidnappings. Borno Economic Pressure (Oil): Borno Governor Babagana Zulum urges the federal government to restart stalled oil exploration in Magumeri and Gubio, while praising efforts to revive Kolmani and pushing for similar momentum across the Lake Chad Basin. Chad–France Reset: Chad and France are quietly rebuilding ties after the end of a long defence pact, shifting toward business and a more discreet security relationship.

Lake Chad Security Funding Crunch: Experts warn the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is running short of money as violence rises around Lake Chad, with Nigeria covering much of the cost and contributors under pressure after Niger suspended participation and Chad reportedly threatened to withdraw. Boko Haram/ISWAP Killings in Borno: Suspected ISWAP fighters attacked Marte, Borno, killing at least 15 farmers and loggers accused of spying, with Amnesty International calling it a serious violation of humanitarian law. Nigeria–U.S. Counter-Terrorism Push: Nigeria’s defence chief reaffirmed deeper military cooperation with the U.S., prioritising intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and support against improvised explosive devices. North-East Governors on Oil Revival: Borno Governor Babagana Zulum urged Nigeria’s federal government to restart stalled oil exploration in Magumeri and Gubio, while praising Tinubu’s push to revive the Kolmani project and calling for similar momentum across the Lake Chad Basin. Regional Governance & Security Priorities: The North-East Governors’ Forum highlighted progress in cooperation and infrastructure, but warned Boko Haram is weakened yet not defeated, with banditry and communal clashes emerging as new threats. Chad–France Thaw: Chad and France are reportedly rebuilding ties more quietly through business and diplomacy after N’Djamena ended a defence pact in 2024. Water Security in the Chad Basin: Chad Basin Development Authority urged stronger protection of rivers and water sources, linking water management to agriculture, livelihoods, and community survival.

Lake Chad Security Funding Crunch: Experts warn the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is running short of money as violence rises around Lake Chad, with Nigeria covering much of the bill and other contributors under pressure after Niger suspended participation and Chad reportedly threatened to withdraw; the shortfall is blamed on gaps in equipment, logistics and operational support, while incidents and deaths have surged across the Basin. Regional Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed deeper military ties, focusing on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance and support for counter-IED efforts. Borno Oil Push: North-East governors, led by Babagana Zulum, urged Nigeria’s federal government to restart stalled oil exploration in Borno (Magumeri and Gubio), while praising Tinubu’s push to revive the Kolmani project and linking oil activity to jobs, infrastructure and revenue. Boko Haram Still a Threat: Gombe’s Inuwa Yahaya said Boko Haram is weakened but not defeated, with attacks continuing alongside banditry and communal clashes. Chad-France Thaw: Chad and France are quietly rebuilding ties after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership. Water Security in the Basin: Chad Basin Development Authority urged stronger river protection to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods, marking World Rivers Day 2026 with a “No Water, No Life” message.

Lake Chad Security Funding: Experts warn the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is running short of money as violence rises around Lake Chad, with Nigeria carrying much of the bill and Niger suspending participation—raising fears of capability and logistics shortfalls. Borno Oil Push: North-East governors, led by Babagana Zulum, urged Nigeria’s federal government to restart stalled oil exploration in Borno (Magumeri and Gubio), while praising Tinubu’s efforts to revive the Kolmani project and linking oil work to jobs, revenue, and infrastructure. Boko Haram Status Update: Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Boko Haram is weakened but not defeated, with attacks continuing and banditry and communal clashes emerging as new threats. Cross-border Terror Impact: Reports from Borno’s Marte area describe suspected ISWAP killings of farmers and loggers accused of spying, drawing condemnation over alleged violations of humanitarian law. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria and the U.S. reaffirmed counter-terrorism cooperation, emphasizing intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and support for counter-IED efforts. Chad-France Thaw: Chad and France are reportedly rebuilding ties more quietly through business and discreet security cooperation after N’Djamena ended a defense pact in 2024.

North-East Governors’ Forum: Borno Governor Babagana Zulum used the 13th NEGF meeting in Maiduguri to urge Nigeria’s federal government to restart stalled oil exploration in Magumeri and Gubio, while praising President Bola Tinubu’s push to revive the Kolmani oil project in Bauchi as a jobs-and-revenue boost for the region. Security Reality Check: Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Boko Haram is “weakened but not defeated,” warning that banditry and communal clashes are now compounding insecurity and slowing returns for displaced people. Counter-Terrorism Operations: Nigeria’s Joint Task Force North-East (Operation Hadin Kai) reported killing 16 extremists and recovering arms in Adamawa, as well as noting losses among troops. Borno Violence: Reports from Marte Local Government Area say suspected ISWAP fighters killed at least 15 farmers and loggers after accusing them of spying for the military, with Amnesty International condemning the killings. Regional Military Cooperation: Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed deeper counter-terrorism ties, prioritizing intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and support against improvised explosive devices. Chad–France Thaw: AFP reports Chad and France are quietly rebuilding ties after N’Djamena ended a defense pact in 2024, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership. Water & Basin Governance: Chad’s Chadian officials and regional bodies pushed for stronger river and water-source protection across the Lake Chad/Niger basins, linking water security to agriculture and livelihoods.

North-East Oil Push: Borno Governor Babagana Zulum and the North-East Governors’ Forum urged Nigeria’s federal government to revive stalled oil exploration in Magumeri and Gubio, while praising President Bola Tinubu’s renewed efforts to restart the Kolmani oil project and linking it to jobs, infrastructure, and revenue for the region. Security Reality Check: Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Boko Haram is weakened but not defeated, with banditry and communal clashes now emerging as major threats, and warned displaced people are still not returning due to insecurity. Cross-Border Violence: Reports from Borno’s Marte area say suspected ISWAP killed 15 farmers and loggers accused of spying for the military, with Amnesty International calling it a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed deeper counter-terrorism ties, emphasizing intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and counter-IED support around the Lake Chad Basin. Chad-France Thaw: Chad and France are quietly rebuilding relations after the 2024 end of the defense pact, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership. Water Governance: Chad Basin Development Authority marked World Rivers Day 2026 in Maiduguri, urging stronger protection of rivers and water sources to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods. Diplomacy: Chad’s foreign minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss cooperation.

Chad–France Reset: After N’Djamena ended its defense pact and France’s long military foothold in late 2024, both sides are now rebuilding ties more quietly—through business forums, diplomacy, and a “demilitarized” security approach, with Chadian officials in Paris pushing investment and regular consultations. Lake Chad Security Pressure: Across the region, Boko Haram is described as “weakened but not defeated,” while governors and officials urge renewed action to protect communities and keep pressure on extremists. Oil & Revenue Push (Borno/North-East): Borno Governor Babagana Zulum urged Nigeria’s federal government to revive stalled oil exploration—praising Kolmani progress but demanding similar momentum for Magumeri and Gubio, plus Lake Chad Basin work to drive jobs and state revenue. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed deeper military collaboration focused on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and support against improvised explosive devices. Water Security in the Chad Basin: Chad Basin Development Authority called for stronger river protection to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods, echoing wider regional calls for coordinated investment and hydrodiplomacy across the Niger and Lake Chad basins.

North-East Governors’ Forum: Nigeria’s North-East governors praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure push and unveiled new steps to fight insecurity and poverty, while stressing the need to turn resolutions into measurable results. Borno Oil Push: Borno Governor Babagana Zulum backed the revival of Kolmani oil exploration and urged the federal government to extend the same momentum to Magumeri and Gubio in Borno. Regional Security Cooperation: Forum chair Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the bloc has made progress on roads, power, trade and connectivity since 2020, but warned cross-border crime and insurgency still demand stronger coordination. Chad-France Reset: Chad and France are reportedly rebuilding ties after the 2024 defense-pact rupture, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership. Chad at the UN: Chad’s Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abdelrahim Mahamat told the UN General Assembly that N’Djamena is committed to humanitarian and peacekeeping roles, while condemning recent air incursions into Ennedi-East as a violation of sovereignty. Lake Chad Water Security: Chad Basin Development Authority urged stronger river protection to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods, linking water management to community survival in the Lake Chad region.

Chad–France Reset: N’Djamena and Paris are quietly rebuilding ties after the 2024 end of Chad’s defense pact with France, with a “demilitarize” push led by business and diplomacy rather than troop presence. Lake Chad Security Push (Regional): Cameroon plans a new elite BIR Lake Chad unit to respond to renewed Boko Haram attacks in the Far North, after a security meeting in Maroua. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation (Nigeria–US): Nigeria’s Defence Minister says military ties with the United States will deepen around counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and C-IED support. Borno Basin Violence: Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP killed at least 15 farmers and loggers in Marte, accusing victims of spying for troops; Amnesty calls it a serious humanitarian law violation. Kaduna Kidnapping Foiled: Nigerian troops stopped an attempted abduction on the Godogodo–Gidan Waya road and rescued an injured man. Water & Rivers Governance (Chad Basin): Chad Basin Development Authority urges stronger river protection to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods, echoing wider Niger/Lake Chad calls for coordinated investment and hydrodiplomacy.

Boko Haram Violence in the Lake Chad Fringe: Suspected ISWAP fighters attacked Marte in Nigeria’s Borno State, killing at least 15 farmers and loggers in Ala and Musune wards; police say some victims are still missing, while Amnesty International calls it a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Security Disruption in Kaduna: Nigerian troops in Kaduna foiled a kidnapping attempt on the Godogodo–Gidan Waya road, rescued a wounded man, and are hunting the fleeing suspects. Regional Military Push Around Lake Chad: Cameroon plans a new elite BIR Lake Chad unit as it steps up Far North security after renewed Boko Haram-linked attacks, while Nigeria and the United States reaffirm deeper counter-terrorism cooperation—prioritising special forces training, intelligence sharing, border surveillance, and C-IED support. Chad’s Diplomatic Line at the UN: At the UN General Assembly, Chad’s health minister condemned recent air incursions on Chadian territory, highlighted humanitarian pressures from displaced people, and reiterated N’Djamena’s security and peacekeeping commitments. Water Security for Stability: Chad Basin Development Authority urged stronger protection of rivers and water sources, warning that agriculture and livelihoods depend on sustainable water management. Chad–Qatar Cooperation: Chad’s foreign minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss cooperation ties.

Security in the Lake Chad orbit: Nigerian troops in Kaduna foiled a kidnapping attempt on the Godogodo–Gidan Waya road, rescuing a wounded man and forcing suspects to flee while efforts continue to arrest them. Chad diplomacy at the UN: Chad’s health minister, speaking for President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, used the 81st UN General Assembly to stress humanitarian burdens around the Lake Chad Basin, back peacekeeping contributions (including troops in Haiti), and condemn recent air incursions on Chadian territory as a breach of sovereignty. Regional water governance: Chad Basin Development Authority urged stronger protection of rivers and water sources, linking water security to agriculture and livelihoods. Foreign ties, quietly shifting: Reports say Chad and France are rebuilding relations after the 2024 rupture, with a push to “demilitarize” ties through business and more discreet security cooperation. Cross-border security cooperation: Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed deeper counter-terrorism cooperation, prioritizing intelligence sharing, special forces training, border surveillance, and C-IED support—explicitly citing gains around the Lake Chad Basin. Chad’s external relations: Chad’s foreign affairs minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss cooperation. Regional investment and arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment is pursuing ICC arbitration tied to Cameroon’s Cotco, with Chad listed among respondents. Regional security through development: The Niger Basin Authority called for stronger cooperation and strategic investment across the Niger and Lake Chad basins to tackle security, environmental, and socio-economic pressures.