Citing increased security concerns and intelligence indications of potential extremist infiltration from Northern Nigeria, the Chadian government allegedly declared the immediate closing of its border with Nigeria.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a military lockdown on the Nigerian border in response to information that armed groups were preparing to enter Chad, according to military sources in N’Djamena on Monday.
In order to prevent infiltration, Chadian forces have been positioned along important border corridors, supported by armored vehicles and aerial reconnaissance teams, according to regional security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to Makama, “all units are now at full readiness, with Chadian troops and armored vehicles deployed to critical routes from Nigeria.”
“No armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise,” according to a quote from President Déby.
U.S. Forces’ Movement Rumors Elevate the Tension
According to reports, the border closure comes as tensions in West Africa and the Sahel are rising due to reports of U.S. military activity in the area.
Although Washington has not released an official announcement, rumors that the United States has repositioned troops in some areas of West Africa have caused diplomatic distress and security reactions from a number of regional states.
Chad’s border shutdown, according to security experts, is a precautionary move intended to shield its territory from possible regional instability spillovers.
Following military takeovers in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, Chad’s most recent action coincides with increased militant activity throughout the Lake Chad Basin nations and changing alliances.
Now that the Nigerian border is blocked, travel between the two nations has been temporarily halted.
Cross-border commerce and transportation companies have been urged to wait for additional instructions from the Chadian government.
