The Department of State Services, DSS, has spoken on the effect of the closure of the land borders by the federal government.

The Nigerian government closed its land borders to curb smuggling activities.

The exercise led to a total shutdown of land frontiers across the country.

The land borders are expected to be reopened on January 31, 2020.

This was revealed in a circular dated November 1, 2019 (NCS/ENF/ABJ/221/S.45) and signed by the Comptroller of Customs in charge of enforcement, Victor David Dimka, to the Sector Coordinators, joint border operations drill (Exercise Swift Response), Sectors 1, 2, 3 & 4.

The closure of borders has since generated criticisms and approvals from well-meaning Nigerians and institutions.

Speaking on the development, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led government on the closure of the nation’s borders.

According to him, the closure of the nation’s borders has helped to stop illicit traffic of firearms.

Bichi noted that these measures by the government will improve the security of the country.

He said this over the weekend during the graduation ceremony of 63 participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 12 at the National Institute of Security Studies, Abuja, Daily Trust reports.

Bichi said: “Despite criticism, the closure of our borders, so far, has succeeded in checkmating smuggling of goods that are illegally brought into this country.

“It has also stopped trafficking in firearms, and checkmating the movement of people that are likely to undermine the security of this country.”