A retired military officer, Colonel Hassan Stan-Labo, says the border closure operation has helped Nigeria’s economy and security greatly and he wishes the closure will remain for the next 25years.
Stan-Labo disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily.
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According to him, both security and economic challenges will be efficiently tackled if the borders remain closed. He added that the proliferation of small arms through the border will also become a thing of the past as well if the borders are shut.
“One bold step that is being taken by the government is the border closure. The main intent was more economic development but it is now helping the security situation.
“I am so happy about this but I wish we could keep this border closure for the next 20-25 years. I know this is going to bring pains to us as Nigerians but we have seen other nations do this and they eventually enjoyed the advantages.
“They have been able to progress by looking inwards and growing their economy. It will help Nigeria’s security to a great extent,” he said.
He also stressed that a major solution to the security challenges confronting the nation is to fund military operations and invest in technology.
“We really need to look at our military seriously as a nation. I think took much lip service is being paid as to what should be done. Actions need to be taken.
“We should invest in funding security. How much of technical integration have we brought into bear on the border closure operation? We really need to make up our mind to push money into acquiring high-tech for the military,” Stan-Labo said.
Nigeria Customs Service last week said the border closure has recorded huge success with the sum of N1.4 billion saved since the beginning of the operation.
Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) said a total of 317 suspected smugglers and 146 illegal migrants were also arrested during the period, adding that the nation’s consumption of petroleum products has dropped by 10.2 million litres.
