MNJTF Troops Intercept 174 Nigerian Men En Route to Niger Border Communities
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have intercepted 174 Nigerian men attempting to cross into the Republic of Niger. The suspects were stopped at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects claimed to be traveling to the Lake Chad region for fishing activities. However, the porous borders between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have become a haven for terrorist groups, including the Lakurawa terrorist group responsible for attacks on border communities.
The interception has raised serious security concerns, as allowing a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas may pose a significant threat. To address this, troops of Sector 4 have initiated a detailed profiling and interrogation process to establish the suspects’ motives and ensure they do not threaten regional security.
- Chief of Military Public Information for the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said, the Force remains committed to countering terrorism, protecting civilians, and securing the region. The interception highlights the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among Troop Contributing Countries of MNJTF to counter cross-border terrorism.