…Déby Orders Troops, Armoured Vehicles To Border
…Move Follows Trump’s ‘Religious Persecution’ Remark On Nigeria
Daud Olatunji
Chad has shut its land border with Nigeria and deployed heavy military presence along key entry points amid rising diplomatic tension and speculation over possible international military intervention in Nigeria.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered on Monday that the Chadian government took the decision after intelligence reports suggested that armed groups in northern Nigeria were planning to cross into Chadian territory to escape potential conflict.
The development comes barely days after United States President, Donald Trump, classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Interest” over alleged persecution of Christians — a declaration that has stirred global debate and unease within West Africa.
Multiple military sources in N’Djamena confirmed that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno directed a complete lockdown of the border and placed troops on full alert.
“No armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise,” a senior military official quoted the President as saying.
Armoured vehicles and heavily armed troops were reported to have been stationed across strategic border corridors linking the two nations, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin — a region already plagued by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
Security and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who first reported the closure on X, said the move was a pre-emptive step to secure Chad from spill-over threats.
Analysts say the escalation reflects growing anxiety in the Sahel, where fragile governments are grappling with jihadist insurgency, shifting alliances, and renewed Western military interest.
A regional security analyst said that Chad’s action was “a sovereignty-defence measure triggered by both internal and external pressures.”
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official reaction as of press time.
President Trump’s recent statement accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians has stirred diplomatic tension and revived debate over religious freedom and security in Africa’s most populous country.
Although the White House has not confirmed any military mobilisation plans, the rhetoric has triggered fears of foreign interference in West Africa.
Chad shares a volatile border with Nigeria, and analysts warn that any cross-border confrontation could further destabilise the already fragile Sahel region.
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