NATIONAL: We’re considering reopening the borders soon, Buhari assures Nigerians

PRESIDENT Buhari has assured Nigerians that the nation’s borders will be reopened soon as its administration has started looking into the strategies to put in place before making the move

According to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president made the disclosure when he met with the 36 state governors on the issue of security.

The president explained that the closure of the nation’s land borders was partly an attempt to control the smuggling in of weapons and drugs.

He said, “The sub-region is no longer safe, more so with the collapse of the former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi’s regime and the cross-border movement of weapons and criminals.”

Addressing the issue of banditry and kidnapping reported in each of the geo-political zones, the president said “security is important and we must secure the whole country. We are thinking very hard on the issue of kidnapping. We will make it possible for the military to get to the bandits and kidnappers and eliminate them.’’

Buhari said that having conveyed the message that the country is against smuggling of arms and drugs to the neighbouring countries, Nigeria has started finalising efforts to reopen the borders.

“Now that the message has sunk in with our neighbours, we are looking into reopening the borders as soon as possible.’’ he said.

Buhari gave assurances that the country’s military will continue to get the support they needed to fight criminals.

He said, “I am not going to the public to speak about the vehicles and equipment we have ordered. What I can say is that the military received armoured cars and other equipment and they are training the trainers. More of such equipment, including military aircrafts will come in.’’