Chad Closes Border With Nigeria Over Security Concerns, Cites U.S. Military Movements in West Africa
The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns following reports of possible U.S. military movements in the West African region.
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a full military lockdown along the Nigerian frontier after intelligence indicated that armed groups in northern Nigeria were attempting to cross into Chadian territory.
According to the sources, the Chadian Armed Forces have been placed on high alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across key border points linking the two countries.
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President Déby, in a statement, vowed that no armed group or foreign military presence would be allowed to enter Chadian territory under any guise, stressing that the move was purely preventive.
“The safety and sovereignty of our nation are paramount. No armed group or foreign force will be permitted to enter Chadian territory under any pretext,” he said.
The decision comes amid heightened regional tension and growing speculation over the potential redeployment of U.S. troops in parts of West Africa following recent security developments in Niger and Mali.
Security analysts say Chad’s move is aimed at safeguarding its territorial integrity and forestalling possible infiltration by terrorist groups exploiting instability in the region.
They described the border closure as a precautionary but necessary step, given the fluid security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
