By Victor Akaa.
In a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have intercepted 174 suspected Nigerian men attempting to cross into the Republic of Niger.
Lieutenant Colonel Olainiyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer HQ MNJTF N’djamena Chad, disclosed this to newsmen in a statement on Friday.
He said the interception occurred at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, who claimed to be traveling for fishing activities in the Lake Chad region, were actually heading towards areas notorious for terrorist activities.
He said the porous borders between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have become a haven for terrorist groups, including the recently identified Lakurawa terrorist group.
Given the vulnerability of the border towns, the intercepted suspects raised serious security concerns. Allowing such a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas could pose a significant threat to regional security.
In response, troops of Sector 4 decisively halted the group’s journey and initiated a detailed profiling and interrogation process to establish their motives.
The statement assured the MNJTF’s committment to its mission to counter-terrorism, protect civilians, and securing the region.
Enugu Reporters gathered that the interception of the suspects underscores the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among Troop Contributing Countries of MNJTF to counter cross-border terrorism.
As the MNJTF continues to work tirelessly to ensure regional security, this interception serves as a testament to their dedication and commitment to protecting the region from terrorist threats.
