Hundreds of Nigerians who crossed into Chad in search of refuge from relentless jihadist attacks have been arrested and deported in a sweeping crackdown, sparking fresh concerns over the plight of displaced civilians in the Lake Chad region.
The affected nationals, many of whom fled communities ravaged by insurgent violence in northeastern Nigeria, told AFP they were rounded up last week and forced across the border despite fears for their safety back home.
Nigeria has battled a brutal insurgency since the Boko Haram uprising, a conflict that has splintered into multiple armed factions and spilled into neighboring countries including Niger and Cameroon.
The latest deportations highlight growing regional tensions as governments struggle to contain cross-border militancy while managing the humanitarian fallout. For many of the deported Nigerians, the return marks a painful step back into uncertainty, as insecurity continues to grip parts of the northeast.
Authorities in Chad have yet to issue a detailed explanation for the mass deportation, but security concerns are believed to be a driving factor.
As the crisis deepens, calls are mounting for coordinated regional action that balances security with the protection of vulnerable civilians caught in the crossfire.
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