Chadian authorities arrested and deported hundreds of Nigerians last week. The migrants had fled insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
The operation affected about 600 Nigerians living in N’Djamena. Many of them had sought safety from jihadist violence.
Chadian police said they carried out the arrests during a routine immigration crackdown. They said the operation targeted undocumented migrants.
Officials insisted the action did not target any nationality. However, affected Nigerians said they faced accusations of links to Boko Haram.
One detainee, Kyari Musa, said security agents stormed homes on Friday. He said officers accused Nigerian refugees of being Boko Haram members.
“They said all Nigerian refugees are Boko Haram and must leave,” he said. He also said officials collected biometric data from detainees.
Another Nigerian, Ari Modu, said arrests began on Wednesday. He said authorities first detained about 227 people. Later, they arrested 371 more, according to his account.
Authorities transported the detainees to border towns after arrest. Some were sent to Gamboru in Nigeria. Others were dropped in Kousseri in Cameroon.
Chadian police confirmed the deportations. However, they did not confirm the total number of people affected.
Paul Manga, deputy director general of police, said officers removed people in irregular status. He denied claims of targeted persecution.
Nigeria has battled a jihadist insurgency since 2009. Boko Haram and splinter groups have expanded into Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
The recent crackdown comes as analysts report rising militant activity in northeast Nigeria. The violence continues to affect regional security.
Many Nigerians in neighbouring countries fled conflict at home. However, some now face arrest due to immigration status issues.
Nigeria has also repatriated citizens from Chad in recent years. Still, some returnees struggle with poverty and insecurity at home.
As a result, a few reportedly cross back into Chad in search of better conditions.
