Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) closed the Seme border linking Lagos to Benin Republic. It has been confirmed that the closure follows an all-inclusive operation involving most security agencies in the country. A video obtained by Politicos shows stranded commuters who have been refused entry into the country. This has led to a complete stoppage of official trade and transportation between Nigeria and the rest of West Africa.
A News Agency of Nigeria Correspondent who witnessed the restriction of movement in Seme border reports that the restriction followed the joint border security exercise ordered by the Federal Government and aimed at securing Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.
The exercise, code-named, ‘Ex-Swift Response’, was being jointly conducted by the customs, immigration, police and military personnel and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
NAN reports that incoming travelers and vehicles were thoroughly searched by the additional security officials drafted to the border, causing long delays.
Later many commercial vehicles conveying passengers into the country were ordered to park at the new border post for several hours, while hundreds of Nigeria-bound trucks were parked across the border.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Custom Service had announced a joint operation between it, the Immigration and the Armed Forces which will happen on Nigeria’s land and sea borders.
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