MNJTF Troops Intercept 174 Nigerians Attempting to Cross into Niger
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating in Diffa, Republic of Niger, intercepted 174 Nigerian men attempting to cross into Niger. The group was stopped in Gueskeru, a key border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria with Niger, as part of ongoing security operations in the region.
According to Lt-Col Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF, initial investigations indicated that the Nigerians were traveling from various towns in Nigeria to the Lake Chad region, reportedly for fishing activities. However, the region’s porous borders have increasingly become a haven for terrorist groups, notably the newly identified Lakurawa group, which has been responsible for violent attacks in both countries’ border areas.
The large number of able-bodied men trying to enter an area known for terrorist activity raised serious security concerns. The MNJTF troops, recognizing the potential threat, halted their journey and began detailed profiling and interrogation to assess their intentions and prevent any potential security risks.
The MNJTF emphasized the importance of increased vigilance along the border and ongoing collaboration between troop-contributing countries to combat cross-border terrorism and protect civilians in the region.
