Coup: customs shuts Nigeria-Niger Republic border

The Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has shut the Nigeria– Niger Republic border at Illela, Sokoto state.

Seven northern Nigeria states, including Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina Jigawa, Yobe and Borno share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in the Niger Republic

This action is in furtherance to the directive of President Bola Tinubu over the rec  Ilela Border, Sokoto state, to implement the directive of President Bola Tinubu, against the military junta in the Niger Republic.

According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), on Twitter, the acting Customs CG performed the shutting himself

It read, “The Ag Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi arrived at the Illela border in Sokoto State to reinforce the Presidential directives on Border closure due to the coup in Niger Republic.

“There is also a working visit to border stations in the country.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is sanctioning Niger Republic after presidential guards toppled Mohamed Bazoum and announced Abdrahmane Tchiani as the new president.

Due to the coup,  the West African regional body ordered the freezing of all Niger Republic enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks in all ECOWAS member states.

“Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS and Niger. Institution of ECOWAS no flight zone to all commercial flights to and fro Niger. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger.

“Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions. Freeze assets of Niger Republic in all ECOWAS Central banks. Freeze all Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions. Impose travel bans on the military officials and their families involved in the coup attempt including anyone who accepts to take a position in the military government.”