The military said yesterday it had shut hundreds of kilometres of Nigeria’s border in Adamawa State with Cameroon to stop Book Haram, Islamic extremists using the country as a haven and launch pad for attacks.
Brig. Gen. Rogers Nicholas of the 23rd Armored Brigade told reporters that he was exercising emergency powers because it is “imperative” to seal the border between Cameroon and Adamawa State against illegal crossings.
He said Customs and immigration officials are working with soldiers and police “to ensure that nothing crosses into Nigeria.” Large stretches of that porous border are generally left unpatrolled.
The border between Borno State and Cameroon, which Nigerian troops and a jet bomber crossed last month in pursuit of extremists, apparently remains open.
The move will affect hundreds of traders who routinely cross the border.