The authorities have prohibited navigation in Chari, Logone Rivers as well as in Lake Chad.

Chadian security forces have embarked on patrols in the waters of Rivers Chari, Logone and Lake Chad and meticulous control of vehicles entering the country from neighbouring Cameroon and Nigeria in search of illicit arms, all pre-emptive measures to prevent the infiltration of the Islamic sect Boko Haram to Chad, press reports say.

Boko Haram fighters have carried out a series of attacks as well as kidnappings in Far North Cameroon that borders the country. Chad is also found only some 50 kilometres from the Borno State in Nigeria which is the stronghold of Boko Haram. The fear of the Islamic sect has gripped Chadians with Dounama Boukar, a taxi driver reportedly telling the press that Boko Haram is here, on the other side, pointing to the other side of the Chari River that marks the border between Cameroon and the Chadian capital, N’Djamena.

Activities of Boko Haram have devastating effects on the Chadian economy as the landlocked country depends on manufactured products such as telephones, car spare parts from neighbouring Cameroon and Nigeria and to which Chadians export cattle. Reports say Chad- Nigerian business transactions take place through the Nigerian town of Gambaru that is now frequently attacked by Boko Haram fighters. The N’Djamena-based businessman, Moussa Oumar, proprietor of many shops say Boko Haram activities in neighbouring countries have caused hikes in the prices of basic necessities. He said that he imports vehicle spare parts from Nigeria but since the closure of the borders, his shops have no supplies.

Chad awaits that the joint force to fight Boko Haram created by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin go operational by the end of this November.