MNJTF Intercepts 174 Suspected Nigerians at Niger Border
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating in Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 suspected unarmed, able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross into Niger. The interception occurred at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria to the Republic of Niger. Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at HQ MNJTF N'Djamena, Chad, released a statement on December 6, 2024, detailing the incident. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were reportedly traveling from various towns in Nigeria to the Lake Chad region, ostensibly for fishing activities. However, the statement highlighted concerns regarding the porous borders between Nigeria and Niger, which have become safe havens for terrorist groups, particularly the recently identified Lakurawa terrorist group. This group has been linked to several violent acts against innocent civilians in border communities. The MNJTF noted that the presence of a large number of able-bodied men in a region known for terrorist activity raises significant security concerns. Given this context, the troops acted decisively to halt the group's journey and initiated a detailed profiling and interrogation process to determine their intentions and ensure they do not pose a threat to regional security.
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