Nigeria has officially announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with Niger Republic due to the recent coup d’état in Niger.
The Acting Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, who made this known today, August 4, during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina, said that the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) directive to suspend the movement of cargos until further notice.
He said that as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitise the border communities.
The Acting Controller General said that the decision was taken for the interest of peace and stability between the two countries.
Adewale said that he had visited the deputy governor of Katsina state regarding the issue of sensitisation.
On July 27, in a swift response to a military coup in Niger Republic, the ECOWAS had enforced a no-flight zone over the country.
Some of the sanctions from ECOWAS are the suspension of trade, diplomacy, and financial services to the country; a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy.
The decision was announced by the ECOWAS, at an special meeting following the increasing tension stirred by the military actors who were attempting to take over in Niger.
This move, which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which poses a threat to political stability in the region.