Commission to commence border patrols to check terrorism, others
By Tada JUTHA, Maiduguri
The Nigeria- Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJCC) is to set up a framework for the exchange of information on cross border crimes.
According to the Commission, the exchange of information was to strengthen collaboration for border patrols between the two countries.
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These were made known yesterday (Thursday) in a communique signed and issued by Rabiu Akawu, the Secretary General of the Commission, Yahaya Godi and Umar Kadafur for Niger and Borno state.
The three-day Local Bilateral Committee (LBC) meeting was held in Maiduguri, Borno state.
“The exchange of information on cross border crimes along with collaboration among the security agencies, were to overcome the security challenges in border communities,” said Akawiu.
In overcoming the security challenges, the communique suggested that the Commission should deploy military personnel and support them with border surveillance equipment.
The secretary said that the full control of goods along the borders could also check the importation of illegal arms and light weapons into the two countries.
He added that youth should be economically empowered through the creation of jobs and business opportunities.
“The engagement of youths could also dissuade them from criminal activities,” he said, stating that the contributions of traditional rulers to the border management process in the border communities.
Yahaya Godi of Niger called on the two countries to give more support to the border demarcation exercise; while the governments at all levels should support the security agencies to protect people’s lives and property.
“They should procure modern equipment for the surveillance and management of the 1,500km porous border lines,” he said.
The provision of basic infrastructural facilities for water and electricity supplies, roads and healthcare delivery services are also to be made.
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While the security operatives of both countries should strictly respect the provisions of ECOWAS Agreement for free movement of goods and services;
“You should restore the course of Kumadugu/Yobe River to the Lake Chad to boost socio – economic activities in the region,” said Godi in the communique.
