The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially announced the closure of all borders with the Republic of Niger.

Adewale Adeniyi, the acting comptroller-general of NCS, clarified during a meeting with the Illela border community in Sokoto state that the border closure does not indicate a declaration of war.

Instead, it is in adherence to the directive of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has suspended the movement of cargo until further notice.

Adeniyi emphasized that the decision to close the border was made to ensure peace and security in the region, as trade cannot flourish without a stable environment.

He reiterated that the closure is temporary and part of a broader effort to engage in diplomatic discussions with the authorities of Niger to resolve the crisis peacefully.

The aim is to restore trade relations between the two nations after a resolution is reached.