Tensions are said to be escalating in neighbouring Chad as President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno is reported to have ordered a complete closure of Chad’s border with Nigeria.
The Chadian leader reports said, gave the order while feilding questions on U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military action against insurgent groups operating in northern Nigeria.
Chad’s government announced for the blockade came late on Monday, citing security concerns and the need to prevent “armed elements” from crossing Nigeria into its territory.
Chad, according to the information said, military units have been deployed along the frontier, with checkpoints reinforced and aerial patrols increased to block suspected militants from fleeing Nigeria into Chad.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the lockdown would remain in effect “until the situation stabilizes.”
The move has sparked unease among border communities that depend on cross-border trade and travels.
Trump’s remarks framed as a warning of potential strikes to “eliminate terrorist threats” in the region have fueled speculation of imminent U.S. intervention.
Though, Washington has not confirmed any such plans, analysts say the border closure underscores growing regional anxiety over renewed militant activity in the Lake Chad Basin, where Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon have long unsuccessfully battled extremist groups.
