Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria amid growing regional tension and rumours of a possible U.S. military intervention in West Africa.
This was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a Security analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert on his official X formerly Twitter platform.
According to security sources in N’Djamena, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a full military lockdown along the border on Monday after intelligence suggested that armed groups in northern Nigeria might attempt to cross into Chadian territory.
The sources confirmed that the Chadian army has been placed on high alert, with heavily armed troops and armoured vehicles now stationed across major border routes linking the two countries.
In a strong warning, President Déby reportedly declared that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
The decision follows widespread reports of alleged U.S. military plans in the region, which have stirred anxiety among neighbouring states already battling insurgency and instability.
Security analysts say the border closure is a preventive step aimed at protecting Chad’s sovereignty and avoiding potential spillover from Nigeria’s internal security crisis.
“This is a clear signal that Chad wants to maintain full control over its territorial integrity amid uncertainty about America’s next move in the region,” said one regional security expert familiar with cross-border dynamics.
The move also comes as the U.S. faces global scrutiny following former President Donald Trump’s threat to launch a “swift and decisive” attack in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
The remarks have triggered diplomatic tension across Africa, with several governments reinforcing their borders and military surveillance systems.
It is believe that N’Djamena’s decision may prompt similar measures by neighbouring Niger and Cameroon, both of which share porous borders with northern Nigeria an area already plagued by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants.
Military officials in Chad say the lockdown will remain in force “until further notice” as the government continues to monitor regional developments and coordinate
