Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have apprehended 174 able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross into Niger’s border communities.
Henzodaily learnt that the interception occurred at Gueskeru, a strategic border town that connects Nigeria’s Yobe State with the Republic of Niger.
In a statement released by MNJTF spokesperson Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, preliminary investigations revealed that the men claimed to be traveling to the Lake Chad region for fishing activities.
However, the operation raised concerns due to the region’s history as a hideout for terrorist groups, including the Lakurawa faction responsible for multiple attacks on border communities.
The presence of such a large group of able-bodied men near a terrorism-prone area triggered security fears.
To prevent potential risks, Sector 4 troops halted their journey and initiated a thorough profiling and interrogation process to determine their true intentions and assess any security threat they might pose.
“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 populace 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, recognizing 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.
“The MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to counter terrorism, protect civilians, and secure the region,” the statement partly read.
The force stressed the need for heightened vigilance and stronger collaboration among member countries to address the challenges posed by porous borders and terrorist activities.