Nigeria has announced plans to temporarily close its border with Niger Republic to prevent cross-border crimes, and to maintain the integrity of the electoral process during the Saturday by-election.

The measure, according to notable electoral stakeholder, is aimed at preventing potential security threats and ensuring that the by-election scheduled for Saturday is conducted without any external interference.

Jigawa State shares border with Niger Republic through several local government areas, including Babura, which is the constituency headquarters of Garki/Babura Federal Constituency as the by-election is scheduled to take place on Saturday in the constituency.

The temporary border closure decision was made known during a meeting between Independent National Electoral Commission officials and heads of security agencies held on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital.

According to the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, while shedding light exclusively to the PUNCH on the outcomes and resolutions of the meeting, a two-day show of force will be conducted by all security agencies in both Garki and Babura LGAs to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining law and order beginning from Thursday to Friday.

As part of the security measures, he revealed that the border with Niger Republic will be temporarily closed from 12 am on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, the election day.

“This is aimed at preventing any external interference or influence on the election.

“The temporary border closure is expected to impact on cross-border activities, and it is necessary for us to ensure the integrity of the election,” he highlighted.

During the election, Muhammad stated that a three-layer security cover will be provided, comprising outer, middle, and inner layers across polling units in the constituency.

“This is aimed at ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and other stakeholders,” he noted.

Moreso, the CP revealed that the main security situation room will be stationed in Babura town, serving as the nerve center for security operations during the election.

“An emergency telephone number will also be provided for reporting incidents before, during, or after the election,” he added.

However, the police commissioner emphasized that a joint operation will be conducted by all security agencies to ensure the success of the election.

“Strategic locations will be provided with maximum security during the election period,” he explained.

The police commissioner assured all that all necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and successful election.

He urged voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

He thanked INEC officials for their collaboration and support in ensuring a peaceful election and appreciated the security agencies in the state for their commitment to maintaining law and order.

Our correspondent reports that the security agencies have pledged to work together to ensure the success of the election by guaranteeing a safe and secure environment for voters. (The PUNCH)