Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 suspected unarmed, able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross from Nigeria into the border communities in the Republic of Niger.

According to the MNJTF spokesman in N’Djamena, Chad, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the suspects were intercepted at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were reportedly traveling from various towns in Nigeria to the Lake Chad region, ostensibly for fishing activities.

“However, it will be recalled that the porous borders and towns between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have become a safe sanctuary for terrorist groups, particularly the recently identified Lakurawa terrorist group, responsible for several horrific acts against innocent populations in border communities between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.

“Given the vulnerability of the border towns between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, the intercepted suspects raised serious security concerns because allowing such a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas may pose a significant threat. As a result, troops of Sector 4, recognising the implications, decisively halted the group’s journey and initiated a detailed profiling and interrogation process to establish their motives and ensure they do not threaten regional security,” he said.

He added that the MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to counter terrorism, protect civilians, and secure the region.

He said, “The interception underscores the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among Troop Contributing Countries of the MNJTF to counter cross-border terrorism.”