Customs denies closure of Seme border

Contrary to reports and popular belief, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied that the Seme-Krake border with the Republic of Benin has been closed.

The NCS, in a statement on Friday, said the current increased security presence at the border was a joint security exercise meant to curb the increasing wave of trans-border crimes.

The Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Mr. Joseph Attah, stated this in Abuja on Friday, urging the public and travellers who utilise the route to go about their businesses without apprehension.

He said: “Those with legitimate engagements should have nothing to be afraid of.’’

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Attah further explained that Nigerian security agencies came together to form a bond and deploy a common response strategy to tackle insecurity in the area.

“Our attention was drawn to what happened at the Seme Border on Wednesday, due to a slight misconception, but it was immediately resolved.

“Whoever has valid document is free to come into the country, but those without legitimate documents will not be allowed into our country.

“The initial take-off of the joint security exercise commenced on Tuesday afternoon.

“For people to see increased security operatives at the border, it is normal that there could be a misconception”.

According to him, the joint exercise was timely because of security challenges such as terrorism, importation of illegal arms, and increased illegal migration.

The NCS spokesman further hinted that the security operatives were committed and determined to face security challenges around the border areas head-on.

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