Nigeria border news

Here are some recent news updates on Nigeria's border:

Nigeria's Border Closure:

• Nigeria has been operating a partial border closure since August 2019 to curb smuggling and other illegal activities. The closure has affected trade and economic activities in the region.
• In February 2020, the Nigerian government announced that it would reopen its borders to allow the free movement of goods and people, but the closure has been extended several times due to ongoing issues.

Recent Developments:

• In March 2023, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the country would reopen its borders to Benin and Niger, two of the countries that were initially affected by the closure.
• In February 2023, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) announced that it had seized over 1,000 vehicles and other goods worth over N10 billion (approximately $25 million) at the borders since the closure began.
• In January 2023, the Nigerian government announced that it would establish a new border management system to improve security and efficiency at the borders.

Challenges:

• The border closure has led to a significant increase in smuggling and other illegal activities, including the smuggling of goods such as rice, vehicles, and petroleum products.
• The closure has also affected the livelihoods of thousands of people who rely on cross-border trade and commerce.
• There have been reports of violence and clashes between Nigerian security forces and smugglers at the borders.

International Reactions:

• The border closure has been criticized by several international organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the African Union (AU).
• The European Union (EU) has also expressed concerns about the impact of the closure on trade and economic activities in the region.
• The Nigerian government has defended the border closure, citing the need to protect the country's economy and security.

Recent Incidents:

• In March 2023, there were reports of clashes between Nigerian security forces and smugglers at the Seme border crossing, which resulted in the deaths of several people.
• In February 2023, a group of smugglers attacked a Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) patrol team at the Idiroko border crossing, resulting in the deaths of several customs officials.
• In January 2023, there were reports of a massive smuggling operation at the Kano border crossing, which resulted in the seizure of several vehicles and goods.

These are just a few examples of the recent news updates on Nigeria's border. The situation is complex and constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments.