By Muhammad Mamman
The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing escalating security concerns tied to reports of alleged U.S. military movements and plans in West Africa.
In a statement released early Monday, Chad’s Ministry of Security said the decision was taken “to safeguard national sovereignty and prevent potential spillover effects from emerging regional tensions.” The government did not specify how long the border closure would last but assured that measures were being taken to maintain stability along the frontier.
The announcement comes amid growing speculation about a possible expansion of U.S. military operations in parts of West Africa, following reports of new security alignments and troop repositioning in the Sahel region.
Officials in N’Djamena said security forces have been placed on high alert, and all cross-border movements of goods and persons are suspended “until further notice.”
Regional observers warn that the move could disrupt trade and humanitarian operations along the Lake Chad Basin, an area already struggling with insecurity linked to insurgent groups.
Neither Nigeria’s government nor U.S. officials have issued an immediate response to Chad’s decision.
The border closure marks one of the most significant escalations in regional security measures in recent months, underscoring mounting unease over foreign military influence and instability in the Sahel.
