Recall that Chadian troops have been in the fore front of the battle line against the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeastern part of Nigeria, after the Federal Government solicited its country’s help.
But, not quite long, a French newspaper, Le Monde, revealed in its article that the Chadian authorities decided to help Nigeria curb the Islamist militants because their menace had crumbled economic activities in Chad.
So far, so good, Chadian soldiers have been seriously clamping down on the sect members, a development that has enabled Nigerian troops reclaim several captured towns from the terrorists.
Just recently, Chad’s President, Idriss Deby revealed that his military forces knew where Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau is hiding, and urged him to surrender himself to the authorities.
Also, recall that a month ago, the Nigerian military inability to successfully defeat the terrorist group, Boko Haram made Chadian troops enter Gamboru town in Borno State, close to the Cameroon border and has been under the control of the insurgents for several months.
Reacting to these developments concerned Nigerians shared diverse opinion on the withdrawal of Chadian troops from Dikwa local government in Borno State.
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One of such Nigerians, Yamai Muhammad said: “This is not only wrong but equally a show of ingratitude and lack of courtesy. Why can’t the Chadian forces be allowed to stay there (Dikwa) to keep securing the captured town till the time they feel they should leave”?
Chinedum Cham Agiriga said he would consider the reasons that informed the decision, but posited that the decision should not in any way hinder reinforcement from the Chadian troops if needed, adding that it could be possible that the logistic requirements are overwhelming.
Agiriga further went ahead to revealed that he personally don’t trust the Chadians for their interest over the years in Borno state, but he noted that he is not saying that is the reason for their departure because his view might be biased.
“It is not the decision of the ally but of the host country to decide when an ally should leave or how long they can stay. Border integrity and sovereignty issues,” Agiriga said.
Nazeer Justice Ibrahim said he does not think the Chadian troops ever complained of any logistical constrains, rather he was thinking the troops left Dikwa to capture Banki, but surprisingly they headed northeast towards Fotokol.
“Now that ISIS has accepted Boko Harams allegiance, it is important to call for a cogent Africa / foreign relations policy and the military posture / doctrine against terrorism. The fear factor must have spread through their Leader’s minds. The next 10 days are critical for the future of the country – will we or will we not? Ibrahim questioned.
Also speaking on the issue, Abubakar Alifa, who praised the Chadian troops, said they are the best in fighting terrorism, but Isah Mansur, who criticized the Chadian troops said: “Chadians presence on Nigerian soil is an indication of failure or lack of capacity of our soldiers and they will certainly not take it lightly especially with the way the Chadians are going about all over the international media trying to take entire credit for the successes being recorded.”
Bello M Muhammed said it is practically a very wrong decision taken at a wrong time while George Onmonya Daniel argued that Nigerian army can deal with Boko Haram.
However, MD Abubakar also believes that it is a wrong decision at this point in time, saying: “Boko haram having pledge loyalty to isis is now beyond a sub-regional challenge. Nigeria being the hotbed of boko haram crisis, at least if we can’t call for more hands, we shouldn’t send away the ones on ground.”
Sharaffdeen Ade Adeleke who condemned the alleged decision said: “Why can’t we allow those who can do it better to continue doing it for us? Shebi we be only giant of Africa by population?
Abdullahi Haruna, who synchronizes Adeleke’s assertion said: “We are a giant of corruption and nepotism. A speedy end to Book Haram means an end to massive fraud perpetuated in the name of fighting Book Haram. With the efforts the Chadian soldiers are putting in, the war is likely to end very soon and that means a threat to some people’s steady income.”
Meanwhile, recall that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), had earlier expressed concerns over the rate Cameroonian and Chadian troops are gaining the upper hand in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group compared to the Nigerian military.
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