President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the joint
border operations code-named Exercise Swift Response which has led to
the total shutdown of land frontiers across the country.
The land borders are expected to be reopened on January 31, 2020, thus
dashing the hopes of entrepreneurs in the West African region who were
optimistic that the Nigerian government will end the military exercise
before Christmas.
In a circular dated November 1, 2019 (NCS/ENF/ABJ/221/S.45) and signed
by the Comptroller of Customs in charge of enforcement, Victor David
Dimka, to the Sector Coordinators, joint border operations drill
(Exercise Swift Response), Sectors 1, 2, 3 & 4, it directed them to
note the new development and comply accordingly.
The circular reads:
“I am directed to inform you that it is observed that despite the
overwhelming success of the operation, particularly the security and
economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are you to
be achieved.
“Against this background, Mr President has approved the extension of the exercise to January 31,2020.
“Consequently, you are requested to convey the development to all personnel for their awareness and guidance.
“Meanwhile, allowance for personnel sustenance and fuelling of vehicles
for the period of extension will be paid as soon as possible.
“This is for your information and necessary action, please.”
On August 20, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service,
Hameed Ali, announced the commencement of “Exercise Swift Response”, a
joint operation involving all military, paramilitary and intelligence
agencies, in government’s efforts to sanitise the land borders that have
become notorious for cross border smuggling that assumed frightening
proportions in recent times.
While contraband worth over N1.4 billion has been seized and various
arrests made since the crackdown against smugglers began, some economic
analysts say the heart of the problem is a network of wealthy smuggling
cartels facilitated by corrupt border officials, which the government
needs to urgently address.
More so, entrepreneurs who depend on legitimate trans-border trade are
gnashing their teeth as their economic fortunes have taken a hit since
the closure of the land borders.