ABUJA/N’DJAMENA—The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing rising security concerns and intelligence reports pointing to alleged United States military activities in parts of West Africa.
The border closure comes amid mounting tension across the Sahel following the threat of U.S. military intervention against Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians. According to BUSINESSDAY reporting, a top military source stated that Chad has shut its border with Nigeria in response to the “escalating tension triggered by Trump’s threat of military action.”
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed to a counterterrorism expert that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a complete lockdown following intelligence suggesting that terrorist elements operating in northern Nigeria were preparing to flee into Chadian territory.
The Chadian army has been placed on full alert, with heavily armed troops and armored vehicles deployed along key transit corridors. A senior military officer explained the directive was issued “to ensure that no armed group or foreign force takes advantage of the current regional uncertainty to destabilise Chad.” President Déby was quoted as stressing that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
The closure, which has no indicated end date, is seen as a proactive measure, though analysts warn it could disrupt cross-border trade. However, sources in Borno State, which shares a northeastern border with Chad, have debunked reports of the alleged closure, stating there is still free movement.