The Chad Government has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria due to rising security concerns, following rumors of potential U.S. military movements in parts of West Africa.
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered the lockdown after receiving intelligence suggesting that terrorist elements from Northern Nigeria were planning to infiltrate Chad.
According to Zagazola Makama, Chadian troops and armored vehicles have been stationed along key entry points from Nigeria, with all units placed on high alert.
President Déby reportedly declared that no armed group or foreign force would be permitted to enter Chadian territory under any guise.
The Chad–Nigeria border stretches approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles), running diagonally from the tripoint with Niger in the north to the tripoint with Cameroon in the south.
This closure comes amid rising regional tensions and speculation over U.S. military presence in the Sahel and broader West African region.
Security analysts believe Chad’s decision is a preemptive measure aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and preventing the infiltration of militant groups seeking to exploit regional instability.
