By Akinwale Kasali
It’s still a long walk ahead for Nigerians lamenting over the border closure by the Federal Government. President Buhari has just approved the extension of the closure with neighbouring countries till 2020.
The exercise, code-named operation Exercise Swift Response resulted in joint border operations by a combined team of security agencies.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspectorate, Victor Dimka, disseminated the information in a memo to the Sector Coordinators.
The memo with reference number NCS/ENF/ABJ/221/S.45, and marked “Restricted” was dated November 1, 2019.
The memo which was cited by this magazine says that despite the overwhelming success of the operation, particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved.
It said the need to achieve the strategic objectives of the exercise informed the extension of this phase by the President.
It assured operatives that are involved in the joint operations that their allowances would be paid.
The Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Custom Service, NCS, Joseph Attah, confirmed the development, saying it was for the benefits of Nigerians in general.
The memo reads in part, “I am directed to inform you that it is observed that despite the overwhelming success of the operation, particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved.
”Against this background, Mr President has approved the extension of the exercise to January 31, 2020.
