Chad closes border with Nigeria amid US military invasion threat
Chadian authorities asserted the move was not directed specifically at Nigeria, but rather aimed at preventing militant infiltration through the border and safeguarding national sovereignty. The intensity of the precaution underscores rising regional tensions, especially in the volatile Lake Chad Basin, which has seen insurgent attacks and cross-border movement for years. Analysts view the border lockdown as a strategic response to both external and internal threats, including the possibility of U.S. military involvement and Nigeria-based militant groups seeking refuge in Chadian territory.
This development raises concerns for Nigeria’s neighbouring states about the stability of regional security cooperation. The closure could hamper movement of goods and people, affect bilateral trade, and add strain to Nigeria’s efforts to combat insurgency along its northern borders. It also signals that Chad is asserting its military posture in response to perceived external threats, rather than relying solely on regional alliances.
