Chad withdraws troops fighting Boko Haram in Niger

Chad has withdrawn hundreds of its soldiers from Niger.

According to NAN, the troops had been helping local forces fight Boko Haram insurgents in the region.

The development comes after the US slammed a travel ban on its citizens.

Chad defence officials have not given a reason for this action, but it is believed that it could weaken the fight against the insurgents.

Residents say the withdrawal of the troops had already impacted on Niger’s Diffa region, which has seen a series of attacks by Boko Haram crossing over from their base in Nigeria.

Ibrahim Arimi, a resident of Bosso village, said banditry has increased since the Chadian troops started leaving.

Arimi said he had temporarily moved to another village for safety.

Lamido Moumouni, Diffa lawmaker, said there is a perception that security would be lacking because they depended on the troops for their safety.

“They have come to rely on the forces so there is a perception that security will be lacking,” he said.

Many have been killed and thousands of people have been displaced by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents.