'I Won’t Tell Nigeria If I Knew Shekau’s Whereabouts' – Chadian President

The Chadian President, Idris Deby, who earlier this year was quoted as saying he knew the whereabouts of wanted Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has backtracked on his claim while also insisting on keeping any possible knowledge of the location of the terrorist to himself. Mr. Deby spoke after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday, and told journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

On the delay to capture Shekau:
“It is regrettable that the two armies that is the Nigerian army and the Chadian Army are working separating in the field, they are not undertaking joint operation. If they were operating joint operation probably they would have achieved more results. As you all know we both work together to fight ‎Boko Haram. I thought it was important that before Mr. President leaves office, I will come for us to have overview of what we did together, what we achieved together in the fight against Boko Haram.

On if Boko Haram has been completely eradicated:
“It Is true Boko Haram has not been completely eradicated ‎but, they have been tremendously weakened. I did not want to wait and come during the inauguration of the new government. I thought I should come to consult with Mr. President, to congratulate him and to have this exchange and have overview of what we have been able to achieve in the fight against Boko Haram”.

On the multinational task force fighting in Lake Chad:
“In the Lake Chad Basin, there are four countries Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger that are currently securing the area. The four countries have managed to form a multinational mixed force that will metamorphose to what is probably known as a Rapid Response Force that the African Union is trying to form for Africa.”