Chad shuts border with Nigeria over U.S. military invasion threat

Femi Fabunmi 

The government of Chad has closed its border with Nigeria due to security concerns following rumours about possible movement of U.S. forces in West Africa.

Military sources in N’Djamena said President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a military lockdown along the Nigerian border after receiving intelligence that terrorists from northern Nigeria were planning to enter Chad.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Chadian troops and armoured vehicles have been deployed to key routes linking Nigeria and Chad. All military units are now on full alert.

President Déby warned that no armed group or foreign force would be allowed to enter Chad “under any disguise.”

The border closure comes amid rising regional tension and reports of possible American military activity in the Sahel and other parts of West Africa.

Experts say the move is a precaution meant to protect Chad’s borders and prevent militants from taking advantage of the current instability in the region.