Nigeria Shuts Border With Niger Republic in Response to Military Coup
In the wake of a military coup that forcibly removed President Mohammed Bazoum from power, Nigeria has taken the decisive step of sealing its border with Niger Republic.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced this measure at the Illela border in Sokoto state on Friday. He cited the ongoing turmoil in Niger as the reason for the border closure and emphasized that movement along the border areas is now heavily restricted.
Advising caution, Adeniyi urged Nigerian citizens with plans to travel to Niger to remain safely at home. He clarified that only Nigerians returning to their homeland would be permitted to cross the border. Nigeria Customs has also taken proactive measures by deploying personnel to block any irregular routes that foreign nationals might exploit to infiltrate the country.
Adeniyi acknowledged the shared language, religion, and culture between Sokoto and Niger Republic but underscored the importance of respecting the colonial boundaries that demarcate the two nations.