Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 unarmed, able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross from Nigeria to Republic of Niger.
A statement by the information officer of MNJTF, Lt-Col Olaniyi Osoba, said they were intercepted at Gueskeru, a border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria and Niger.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the they were travelling from Nigeria to the Lake Chad region, ostensibly for fishing activities.
He recalled that the porous borders and towns between Nigeria and Niger had become a safe sanctuary for terrorist groups, particularly the recently identified Lakurawa terrorist group.
He said, “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 assured that the MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to counter terrorism, protect civilians and secure the region.
“The interception underscores the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among Troop Contributing Countries of MNJTF to counter cross border terrorism,” he added.
