Troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 able-bodied Nigerian men who were attempting to cross into border communities in Niger.
The suspects were stopped at Gueskeru, a key border town connecting Yobe State in Nigeria with the Republic of Niger.
According to a statement from Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the MNJTF spokesperson, initial investigations indicated that the suspects were travelling from various Nigerian towns to the Lake Chad region, reportedly for fishing activities.
However, concerns arose due to the porous borders, which have become havens for terrorist groups, including the Lakurawa terrorist group, known for multiple attacks on border communities.
The presence of such a large number of able-bodied men raised security alarms, as their access to areas infested with terrorists could pose a significant threat.
Consequently, Sector 4 troops halted their journey and began a thorough profiling and interrogation process to evaluate their intentions and ensure they did not threaten regional security.