Minister of Interior Lt.-Gen. Abdrahman Dambazau (retd), who gave the order, said there would be restriction of movements across the borders during the election days.
Also yesterday, the Acting Inspector-General (IG), Muhammed Adamu, ordered the restriction of vehicular movement on the election day.
A statement issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller-General Muhammad Babandede: “Further to the presidential election taking place on the 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.”
Vehicular movement, according to the police, would be restricted from 6am to 6pm.
The police explained that the ban on movement would assist the security agencies to do their jobs properly and also prevent hoodlums from disrupting the electoral process.
A statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesman ACP Frank Mba reads: “As part of efforts in furtherance of the overall interest of public order, public well-being and 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 6am to 6pm 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.”
The police boss, while stating that adequate security arrangements have been made, urged members of the public to troupe out en-masse on the day of the election to exercise their franchise without fear.
