Roland Ekama , Lagos
The Federal Government has embarked on plans to close land borders nationwide as part of moves to enhance national security, citizens safety and curb criminal activities
The move which is being coordinated by Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), according to a source, is aimed at further forestalling activities of bandits, illegal migration, influx of prohibited items and boosting security of communities considered to be at the fringes of Nigeria and her neighbours.
The closures , our reporter gathered, will last for 28 days in the first instance starting from August 19, 2019.
The closure and movement restrictions, our reporter gathered will be executed jointly by all government security and intelligence outfits aimed at taming movements of persons with unclear intents.
It was gathered that all hitherto unmanned areas along large expanse of lands in border communities will be manned in a manner deploying joint support, information sharing, coordination and back up , among the services.
Recall that the Government had through Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) asked foreigners with irregular documentation residing in the country to register within six months from July 2019.
Checks at the approved border routes are expected to increase for travelers ostensibly taking advantage of Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of persons and goods within West Africa,Sub region.
The government seems worried that neighbouring countries have allowed their areas to be access points into Nigeria for illegal migration by some suspected criminal elements and shipment of banned or prohibited items that undermines national security and economy.
Insecurity in some parts of the country has affected agricultural activities and capable of threatening food production as some farmers have fled their fields due to incessant attacks by suspected foreign bandits.
Various security agencies ,our reporter gathered, have started movement of operatives to ensure the borders are monitored with priority on safety of law abiding citizens.
States with land border stations across the country are likely to experience increased security presence involving the army, navy, air force, police, customs, immigration, Department of State Service, Nigeria Intelligence Agency and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the joint operation.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to give aerial support and back up to all the ground forces that will deal an onslaught to insurgents and trans border criminals.
Attempts to speak with the spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service proved abortive as the line was not reachable.
