The Government of Chad has ordered the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns following reports of alleged U.S. military movements in West Africa.
According to a report by Zagazola Makama, the directive was issued by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who ordered a total military lockdown along the Chadian–Nigerian border after intelligence indicated that suspected terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were attempting to cross into Chad.
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Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed that the Chadian army has been placed on high alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across strategic border corridors connecting both countries.
President Déby was quoted as saying that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
The decision comes amid rising regional tension and unverified reports of alleged U.S. military activity in parts of West Africa, which have sparked diplomatic unease and concerns over sovereignty.
Security analysts described Chad’s action as a “preventive national security measure” aimed at deterring infiltration by non-state armed actors and maintaining internal stability amid growing uncertainty across the Sahel.
The border closure is expected to impact trade and cross-border movement between Chad and northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno and Yobe States, where communities rely heavily on transnational markets for economic survival.
