Follow Us on Google
From Kenneth Udeh, Yaounde
In a major step aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national security directive to curb cross-border threats and reinforce Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Friday led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Cameroon on a strategic security assessment mission aimed at bolstering bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation.
The delegation included key national security stakeholders: former Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi; Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bonzena John; security intelligence executives from ETOS, an Israeli security firm; Taraba lawmaker Rt. Hon. Peter Abel Diau; the representative of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Col. J.G. Kwelle; and a military attaché from the Nigerian Embassy, among others.
The delegation touched down at the Yaoundé International Airport at exactly 1:15 p.m. and proceeded directly to the headquarters of Cameroon’s elite Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) the country’s frontline counter-terror force.
They were received by the General Coordinator of the BIR, Brigadier General Relence François, who delivered a comprehensive briefing on the battalion’s operational structure, tactical successes, amphibious and rapid-response capabilities, and border protection efforts. His presentation highlighted BIR’s internationally recognized strategies and ongoing challenges.
General François stressed that Cameroon’s counter-terror achievements offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, particularly in states sharing borders with Cameroon such as Taraba, Adamawa, and Borno.
Gov. Kefas Calls for a New Chapter of Joint Security Action
Governor Kefas described the visit as a vital fact-finding mission designed to reinforce the long-standing security partnership between both nations.
“This is a product of long-term intelligence gathering which I have also shared with the National Security Adviser and other security agencies. We have always looked forward to collaborating with the Cameroonian government on border security,” Kefas said.
He added that the visit provides an opportunity to inspect vulnerable border communities, crossing points, and known illegal corridors.
“We will now return to Nigeria, brainstorm with the National Security Adviser and meet with the President,” he stated.
Kefas emphasized that consultations with Cameroonian authorities including the gendarmerie, BIR leadership, and local institutions would pave the way for joint intelligence fusion, early-warning systems, and harmonized border operations.
He also expressed confidence that insights from the mission will accelerate efforts to secure Taraba’s porous borders, long exploited for arms smuggling, insurgent infiltration, and human trafficking. Kefas further conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the Cameroonian government.
Other News
Kalu Commends BIR, Calls for Stronger Nigeria-Cameroon Security Ties
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu praised the BIR’s tactical discipline and reiterated the need for deeper cooperation to defeat cross-border threats.
“Nigeria and Cameroon are more than neighbors. We are partners in a shared battle against forces that threaten our collective stability,” Kalu said. “I commend the BIR for the courage they have shown over the years. We must continue to work together to ensure that cross-border insecurity becomes a thing of the past.”
Kalu noted that the Nigerian Senate remains committed to supporting policies and partnerships that will help eradicate insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes across the West African region.
Abdullahi: Visit Will Strengthen National Intelligence
Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi said the BIR’s briefing provided critical insights that will advance efforts to modernize Nigeria’s intelligence and security architecture.
“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, I will ensure that the insights gathered here inform part of our work in strengthening Nigeria’s security and intelligence systems,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that cross-border crimes demand cross-border solutions, stressing the urgency of enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint border operations.
