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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), said its troops operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross into border communities in the Republic of Niger. MNJTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, who made this known, said the suspects were stopped at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria with the Republic of Niger. Osoba.
He said, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were traveling from various Nigerian towns to the Lake Chad Region, ostensibly for fishing activities.
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He added that concerns were raised due to the porous borders, which have become sanctuaries for terrorist groups, including the Lakurawa terrorist group responsible for several attacks on border communities.
According to Osoba, the intercepted group raised security alarms as allowing such a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas could pose a significant threat, adding that: “In response, Sector 4 troops halted their journey, initiating a detailed profiling and interrogation process to assess their motives and ensure they do not pose a threat to regional security.
Lieutenant Osoba assured that the MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to counter terrorism, protect civilians and secure the region. The interception he stressed underscores the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among troop-contributing countries of MNJTF to counter cross border terrorism.
