Niger Republic’s military authorities declared the country’s airspace closed on Sunday, warning that any attempt to violate it would result in a “energetic and immediate response.”
“Faced with the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday… for all aircraft until further notice,” the country’s new rulers said in a statement.
The statement came as the West African organization ECOWAS’ deadline to return power to democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum approached.
BizWatch Nigeria recalls that last Sunday, ECOWAS gave Niger’s new military authorities a week to stand down or face military intervention.
Bazoum was detained at the presidency on July 26, 2023, by members of his own guard.
NIS Urges Nigerians To Avoid Niger Republic
Mustapha Sani, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in charge of the Jibia Special Border Command in Katsina State, cautioned Nigerians not to travel to Niger Republic.
This is linked to the conflict in Niger Republic, which resulted from a coup. Sanctions have been imposed on the West African country as a result of the development.
“Nigerians should stay at home and not attempt to go to the Niger Republic until the embargo is lifted. And we are determined to return any Nigerien we catch who is planning to come to this country,” he said.
According to Sani, the Service is deploying men to patrol the Katsina border to help curb illicit migration from Niger Republic.
“Despite the fact that we are divided by colonial masters, we share certain things in common like religion and culture, and that doesn’t guarantee them to enter Nigeria without valid documents.”
FG Closes Niger Republic Border Over Political Instability
The Federal Government (FG) has ordered the immediate closure of all land crossings with Niger Republic on August 4, 2023 due to the latter’s ongoing political instability.
According to the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCoS), Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, the strategy is in both countries’ best interests.
“Now, we have a situation in our hands where there is instability and insecurity. This situation does not allow for trade to flourish. We cannot have any meaningful trade in an atmosphere of insecurity and instability that we presently have in Niger Republic.
“That is why the ECOWAS, through the authority of the Heads of States, had taken the decision to suspend and close all land borders with the Republic of Niger.”
