Nigeria to Close Niger Border Ahead of Jigawa By-Election

Authorities in Jigawa State will temporarily shut the border with Niger Republic this weekend as part of heightened security measures for Saturday’s Garki/Babura Federal Constituency by-election.

The decision, reached during a security meeting between Independent National Electoral Commission officials and heads of security agencies in Dutse on Wednesday, aims to “prevent any external interference or influence on the election” and safeguard the integrity of the process.

Jigawa shares several border points with Niger Republic, including Babura — the constituency headquarters where the poll will take place.

Speaking to journalists, Commissioner of Police Dahiru Muhammad revealed that all security agencies will stage a two-day “show of force” in Garki and Babura from Thursday to Friday, ahead of voting. He added that the border will close from midnight Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

“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 said.

The CP outlined a three-layer security arrangement — outer, middle, and inner — across polling units. “This is aimed at ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and other stakeholders,” he explained.

A central security situation room will operate from Babura town, while an emergency telephone line will be made available for incident reporting. “Strategic locations will be provided with maximum security during the election period,” Muhammad assured.

He also confirmed that all security agencies will mount a joint operation throughout the exercise. “An emergency telephone number will also be provided for reporting incidents before, during, or after the election,” he added.

Muhammad encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to vote, thanking INEC and security agencies for their “collaboration and commitment” to ensuring a peaceful election.

Security operatives across Jigawa have pledged to work together to guarantee a safe environment for voters on election day.