The military says it has closed a long stretch of its
northeastern border with Cameroon to stop extremists using Nigeria as a
haven and launch pad for attacks.
Brig. Gen. Rogers Nicholas of the 23rd Armored Brigade told
reporters Saturday 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.
