NIGERIA: Nigerian Government Shuts Its Borders Ahead Of Elections

The federal government has directed the closure of all Nigeria's land and sea borders ahead of Saturday's presidential poll.

The directive said the borders are to remain closed from midnight of Wednesday, March 25 to midnight of Saturday, March 28, 2015.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Engineer Abubakar Magaji stated that the directive, approved by President Goodluck Jonathan "was to allow for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming national elections."

The statement also said the Nigeria Immigration ervice (NIS) has been directed to ensure that non-Nigerians do not participate in any part of the election processes.

Besides, the Department of State Services (DSS) has urged voters to be on the look-out for security threats and remain law abiding as they cast their vote on election days.

A statement yesterday by the spokesperson of the Service Marilyn Ogar said: "Voters are advised to be weary of persons in loose or bulky midriff clothings, which are inappropriate for the weather, look out for unattended bags, luggage, dustbins, strange containers and other suspicious items."