‘There Is No Closure’, Immigration Explains Activities At Nigerian Borders

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday clarified the
controversy surrounding the reports on the closure of the nation’s
borders.

Contrary to the reports, the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mr
Muhammad Babandede, stated that no border has been closed.

He, however, explained that the Service was conducting an
operation with the Nigeria Customs Service at the borders.

“There is no border closure, but there was a border drill and
there was an announcement from the office of the National Security
Adviser,” Babandede said during an interview on Channels
Television’s Sunrise Daily.

He added, “Our spokesperson for the closure is the Nigeria
Customs because this operation is jointly carried out by the
Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs; it is a border
drill.

“You know very well that a safe border is a safe nation. So we
are securing these borders for our national interest.”

The Immigration boss further highlighted the gains of the
exercise carried out at various borders of the country.

According to him, those who think they can make money by
“dumping anything” in the country have been blocked.

Babandede noted that the security agencies have also prevented
those making attempts to come into Nigeria without the required
travelling documents and records.

He said, “I’m glad to say windows have been opened for people to
pass through these borders from 6am to 6pm, but must enter with
travelling documents and with visa if visa is required.

“It’s not a closure, it’s a border drill and Nigeria will do
everything it can to protect its integrity, its border, its
economy, and its people.”

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