Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has ordered a full military lockdown along the country’s border with Nigeria amid rising regional tension following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to intervene militarily over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama said intelligence reports indicated that terrorist elements in northern Nigeria were attempting to flee into Chad, prompting the deployment of troops and armoured vehicles along key border corridors.
“No armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise,” President Déby reportedly warned.
Wike Blames Opposition for U.S. Allegation
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of instigating Trump’s genocide claims against Nigeria.
Speaking on national television, Wike alleged that the opposition was exploiting religion and misinformation to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“It is politics taken too far to claim that the government I serve supports genocide or the killing of Christians,” he said. “The Inspector General of Police, the DSS Director-General, and the Chief of Defence Staff are all Christians. How could such a government support the killing of its own people?”
Wike described the allegation as a deliberate ploy to divide the country, adding that no Nigerian leader would take pleasure in the killing of citizens.
Obi Calls for Diplomatic Engagement
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi urged the Federal Government to engage diplomatically with the United States to clarify the issues and sustain bilateral cooperation.
“Nigeria and the U.S. have a long-standing partnership in peace and security,” Obi said. “We must not allow misinformation to undermine that relationship.”
Akpabio Denies Criticising Trump
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied social media reports claiming he criticised Trump’s position on Nigeria.
In a statement by his media aide Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the viral post as “a malicious fabrication designed to incite misunderstanding between Nigeria and its international partners.”
“The Senate President never made such a statement — not publicly, privately, or in writing,” the statement read. “Senator Akpabio is a statesman committed to diplomacy and mutual respect among nations.”
ADC Warns Against External Intervention
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) cautioned against any foreign military action in Nigeria, describing such a move as counterproductive and damaging to democracy.
Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi acknowledged growing international concern over insecurity but urged the U.S. to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions and help strengthen local conflict-resolution mechanisms instead.
Cleric Dismisses Genocide Claims
The Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Akure Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Borokini, dismissed Trump’s genocide allegations as exaggerated.
He said the insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims.
“There is no targeted killing of Christians,” Borokini said. “Boko Haram and armed herdsmen have attacked both Muslims and Christians alike.”
Yoruba Group Seeks Diplomatic Solution
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) called for Nigeria’s removal from the U.S. list of countries of security concern, urging dialogue and collaboration instead of confrontation.
YCW President Oladokun Hassan appealed to the U.S. to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism with modern technology and equipment.
“We urge the U.S. to assist Nigeria with drones, tanks, and missile systems, just as it supports Ukraine,” he said.
Summary:
Chad’s border closure underscores heightened regional anxiety following Trump’s controversial remarks, as Nigerian leaders rally to defend the country’s image, urge diplomacy, and warn against divisive narratives.
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