In a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the government emphasized that most land borders were reopened on March 14, 2024, and have remained so.
“It’s puzzling what borders Atiku plans to ‘open’ when they’re already accessible,” the statement said. It highlighted that President Tinubu had opened the Kamba borders in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, leading to significant economic benefits.
The Presidency questioned if Atiku meant to relax existing border controls, demanding clarity on which specific measures he would adjust and what safeguards would be implemented against threats like terrorism and human trafficking.
“Opening borders does not mean eliminating security controls,” the statement clarified, stressing the importance of modern border management to prevent criminal exploitation.
With Nigeria's northern security environment linked to developments across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, the statement underscored the necessity for effective border management in combating terrorism and organized crime.
The Global Terrorism Index 2026 was cited, indicating that a substantial percentage of terrorist attacks occur near international borders, reinforcing the need for vigilant border governance.
The Presidency insisted that Nigeria’s security operations should not be misconstrued as evidence of closed borders, but rather as responsible management of security in vulnerable areas.
It called for Atiku, as a seasoned politician, to provide a detailed policy proposal rather than vague promises about border management.
“Voters deserve more than slogans; they need concrete plans for improving border surveillance and cooperation against crime,” the statement concluded.
The administration remains open to scrutiny based on facts and measurable outcomes in security and economic recovery, urging a focus on legitimate commerce while ensuring safety against threats.
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