Polls: FG Assures Enhanced Security At Borders

The Federal Government
on Wednesday night in Abuja assured the international community of enhanced border security and its preparedness to ensure peace before, during and after the general elections.
Mr Abba Moro, Minister of Interior, gave the assurance while briefing the diplomatic community on the theme: “Peace and Security: 2015 General Elections in Nigeria.”
The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moro said that measures had been put in place to ensure that the borders were effectively monitored during the elections.
“For us as a ministry, we are encouraged to provide the necessary aucillary services and internal security required to ensure effective elections in the country.
“Agencies in the Ministry of Interior, particularly the Nigeria Immigration Service, have adequately deployed officials of the border control.
“They are sufficiently encouraged to ensure the effective control of movement particularly on the days of elections”, he said.
According to Moro, when it becomes necessary, other measures will be taken to ensure that Nigeria’s borders are secured.
“Sufficient members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across Nigeria to secure the lives and property of people.
“They are also to create the necessary environment that will ensure free, fair and credible elections,” he said.
He called on the international community and neighbouring countries to assist Nigeria in ensuring an atmosphere of peace.
The minister also said guidelines on movement would be communicated from the appropriate agencies.
“We are not contemplating closing the airports but if it is necessary to adopt such extra measures we will not hesitate to do that but we will communicate effectively”, he said.
Also speaking, Mr Suleiman Abba, the Inspector-General of Police, reassured of the preparedness of the police to work towards peaceful elections.
Abba said efforts were being made to ensure personnel were prepared in “appreciating the laws, particularly with regards to respect for human rights”.