The Nigerian Government has ordered the reactivation of 22 border security posts in a bid to curb the growing wave of terrorism in the country, according to local media reports. The affected borders include those the country shares with Chad, Niger, Benin and Cameroon.
The reports said the decision to re-activate the border posts was taken at an extraordinary meeting between Nigeria’s security chiefs and representatives of those neighbouring countries in Abuja, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan has already ratified the decision.
Quoting a presidential source in Abuja, the reports said the reopening of the security posts would go a long way in curtailing violence in the country, adding that the measure is also expected to check the influx of illegal aliens into the country. The neglect of the border posts is believed to have encouraged smuggling of light arms and other trans-border crimes. According to the reports, the fresh approach to security issues in Nigeria is coming few days after President Jonathan directed ministries, departments and agencies to volunteer capable hands to be trained by security forces on counter terrorism and emergency response strategies.
The officials will manage related security issues in their respective MDAs to complement the efforts of key security agencies in the country. It was also learnt that the National Security Adviser, retired Gen. Owoye Azazi, has ordered a 24-hour surveillance around all hotels that have over 50 rooms while all public infrastructure and private recreational centres are now to be manned by detectives.