The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with the Niger Republic due to the recent coup d’etat in the West African country.

The NCS’ acting controller general, Bashir Adewale, made this known on Friday during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina.

Mr Adewale said the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)’s directive to suspend the movement of cargo until further notice.

He added that as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitise the border communities.

The acting controller general said the decision was taken in the interest of peace and stability between the two countries.

Mr Adewale said he had visited the deputy governor of Katsina state regarding the issue of the sensitisation.

In a swift response to the military coup in the Niger Republic on June 27, ECOWAS also enforced a no-flight zone over the country.

Some of the sanctions from ECOWAS are the suspension of trade, diplomacy and financial services to the country; a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy.

The West African slammed sanctions on the coup plotters, giving them one week to give up power or face possible military intervention.

This significant move, which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to political stability within the region. 

(NAN)