In a statement in Abuja on Friday, Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the president made the pledge when he hosted

It is informative to know that the young Mr Deby took over the mantle of leadership of Chad after the death of his father, Idriss Itno, on April 19, 2021, who died from the wound he sustained from attached by rebels in the country.

Buhari told the Chadian leader: “We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can.

“Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism, we will continue the collaboration.” 

The Nigerian president described the late Marshal Idriss Itno as his personal friend and a friend of Nigeria, noting that Chad had been very steadfast in defending Nigeria.

He said that Chad should, therefore, not hesitate to ask for help in areas it would deem necessary. 

Buhari said that Nigeria would help to strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“We will also help you to ensure a smooth transition in 18 months, as you have promised your people,’’ he added. 

The transitional leader had thanked Nigeria for solidarity it showed Chad after the passage of the former president.

He said that the main objective of the Transitional Military Council “are security and cohesion of our country”.

He expressed commitment to free and fair polls in 18 months.

“You were very close to Marshal Itno. I’m here to reaffirm that relationship, and for you to support our transition.

“We rely on our brother country, Nigeria, as we have shared history, culture and geography.

“We are ready to be guided by you in our journey to constitutional rule,” he said.