Chad is led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power after rebels killed his father, longstanding President Idriss Deby.

The vote is being held amid security challenges due to Boko Haram attacks.

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja had not been seen in public in nearly two months.

More than 30 people have been killed by the floods, which authorities say affected about one million people.

The Kaduna state attack was the second mass kidnapping in a week in Africa's most populous country.