By Ademola Adekusibe
November 3, 2025.
The Government of Chad has ordered an immediate closure of its border with Nigeria following reports of alleged U.S. military plans in West Africa, raising concerns about regional stability.
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno directed a full military lockdown along the Nigerian frontier after intelligence reports indicated that armed groups in northern Nigeria might attempt to flee into Chadian territory amid escalating tensions.
According to the sources, the Chadian army has been placed on high alert, with troops, armoured vehicles, and checkpoints deployed across key border corridors connecting the two countries. The president was quoted warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
The border closure comes amid growing speculation over the United States’ alleged military activity in parts of West Africa. The reports, which have yet to be officially confirmed by U.S. authorities, have sparked fears of a possible escalation in the region.
Security analysts told journalists that Chad’s move is a preventive measure to safeguard national sovereignty and prevent infiltration by armed groups who could exploit regional instability. “Chad is positioning itself to ensure that it does not become a transit point for militants or any foreign military presence,” said one analyst who requested anonymity.
Local communities along the border have already started feeling the impact. Traders report disruptions in the movement of goods and an increase in security checks, while border towns have heightened alertness to any unusual activity.
Chadian authorities have assured citizens that the closure is temporary and aimed solely at ensuring national security. Meanwhile, regional governments and security experts are monitoring the situation closely, as the potential implications of U.S. involvement in West Africa remain a subject of intense debate.
