Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau

The federal government has ordered the closure of all land borders from 12noon Friday to 12noon Sunday, 17th.

This order was contained in a statement by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau.

According to the statement,“Further to the presidential election taking place on February 16, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Interior has directed the closure of all Nigerian land borders with effect from 12.00noon of Friday, February 15 to 12.00noon of Sunday, February 17, 2019″.

“This is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days. The public is to take note and ensure compliance,” part of the statement read.

The minister also said there would be restriction of movement across the borders during the election days.

Similarly, the police said vehicular movement would also be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day.

In a statement by the police spokesman, Frank Mba, in Abuja it explained that the ban on movement would assist the security agencies to do their job properly and also prevent hoodlums from disrupting the electoral process.

“As part of efforts in furtherance of the overall interest of public order, public well-being, safety and national security as it relates to the general elections billed to take place on Saturday, February 16, 2019, the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Muhammed Adamu, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 16th February 2019″.

“The IGP notes that the restriction will assist the security agencies in effectively policing the electoral process, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from hijacking and disrupting the electoral process,” it read.

While stating that adequate security arrangements have been made, the police urged members of the public to troupe out en-masse on the day of the election to exercise their franchise without fear.