Tinubu’s Security Mandate: Kefas, Kalu, Abdullahi Lead Strategic Mission to Cameroun, Strengthen Bilateral Counter-Terrorism Framework

Yaoundé, Cameroun — In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to curb cross-border insecurity and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Friday led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Cameroun on a security assessment mission aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation against terrorism and transnational criminal activities.

The delegation included major national security stakeholders such as former Abia State Governor 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. Bonzema John; security intelligence executives from ETOS (an Israeli security firm); Member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Abel Diau; Col. J.G. Kwelle representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI); and the Military Attaché from the Nigerian embassy, among others.

The team arrived at the Yaoundé International Airport at exactly 1:15 p.m. and proceeded to the headquarters of the elite Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), Cameroun’s frontline counter-terrorism force.

They were received by BIR General Coordinator, Brigadier General Relence François, who delivered a comprehensive briefing on the battalion’s operational structure. His presentation highlighted BIR’s successes, challenges, and methodologies in counter-terrorism, amphibious operations, and border security—areas in which the battalion has earned international recognition.

General François noted that Cameroun’s counter-terrorism strategies have produced measurable successes that could significantly support Nigeria’s ongoing operations, particularly in border states such as Taraba, Borno, and Adamawa.

Gov. Kefas Calls for Renewed Joint Security Action

Governor Kefas described the mission as an essential move in strengthening the longstanding security relationship between Nigeria and Cameroun. He stressed that the visit was not ceremonial but a fact-finding assignment aimed at deepening cooperation, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and improving joint operations along Nigeria’s international borders.

“This is a product of long-term intelligence gathering which I have shared with the National Security Adviser and other security agencies,” he said. “We have always looked forward to collaborating with the Cameroonian government on border security. This meeting provides an opportunity to inspect vulnerable border communities, crossing points, and known corridors of illegal movement. We will now return to Nigeria, brainstorm with the National Security Adviser, and meet with the President.”

Kefas added that engagements with the BIR, Cameroonian local authorities, the gendarmerie, and traditional institutions would facilitate the establishment of joint early-warning systems, intelligence fusion frameworks, and harmonized operational structures.

He expressed optimism that the mission would fast-track efforts to secure Taraba’s extensive and porous borders, long exploited for arms trafficking, militant infiltration, and human smuggling. He also conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to the Cameroonian government and encouraged the BIR to sustain its commitment to regional peace and security.

Senator Kalu Applauds BIR, Advocates Stronger Security Ties

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a notable voice in national security reforms, praised the BIR for its discipline and tactical efficiency.

“Nigeria and Cameroun are more than neighbors. We are partners in a shared battle against forces that threaten our collective stability,” he said. “I commend the BIR for their courage over the years. We must continue to work together to end cross-border insecurity.”

Kalu affirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting policies and security cooperation initiatives that would help eliminate insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes across the subregion.

Senator Abdullahi: Insights Will Strengthen National Intelligence

Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi described the BIR’s presentations as timely and insightful, noting their relevance to national intelligence reforms.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, I will ensure that the insights gathered here inform our work on strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence and security systems,” he said. “Cross-border crimes require cross-border solutions, and this visit reinforces the need for structured cooperation between our countries.”

He emphasized that improved surveillance systems, intelligence-sharing, and joint border operations remain essential tools in defeating insurgency.

Shared Commitment to Regional Stability

Other members of the delegation, including Speaker Bonzema John, Hon. Peter Abel Diau, CDI representatives, and ETOS security experts, reiterated the need for robust cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroun.

The collective message emphasized the importance of a united front in tackling insurgency, particularly along historically vulnerable border corridors.

The mission stands as a major stride in President Bola Tinubu’s security agenda, which prioritizes diplomacy, intelligence collaboration, and technology-driven border management as critical pillars for stabilizing Nigeria’s frontier regions.