The Chadian government has ordered an immediate closure of its border with Nigeria following heightened security concerns linked to reports of potential militant movement and alleged U.S. military activity in parts of West Africa.
Military officials in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno directed a full lockdown along the Nigerian border after intelligence reports suggested that terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were planning to infiltrate Chadian territory.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that Chadian forces have been placed on high alert, with troops and armored vehicles deployed along critical entry routes from Nigeria.
President Déby, in a firm statement, emphasized that “no armed group or foreign force will be permitted to enter Chadian soil under any pretext.”
The Chad–Nigeria border, which spans about 85 kilometers (53 miles), runs diagonally from the Niger tripoint in the north to the Cameroon tripoint in the south.
The border shutdown comes amid growing regional tension and speculation about U.S. military movements across the Sahel region. Security experts say Chad’s move is a precautionary measure to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent extremist groups from exploiting instability in neighboring states.
