No Nigerian Territory Was Invaded By Benin Republic, Says FG

THE Federal Government yesterday debunked the alleged encroachment on its territorial areas by the Republic of Benin.

Director General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Dr Mohammed Bose Ahmad, made the clarification while speaking with newsmen shortly after he led a delegation to the palace of the Emir of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Idris Sero Abubakar.

Ahmad said the report in some dailies (not The Guardian) alleging encroachment on its territorial areas was capable of sparking a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Describing the report as untrue, he said no inch of Nigeria’s known to the Federal Government had been encroached on.

The NBC boss explained that the territorial areas of the country were manned by relevant security agencies and could not be attacked under whatever guise.

He noted that borders between Nigeria and its neighbours are preserves of the Federal Government while efforts would be intensified to ensure that the border posts are kept safe.

He said the commission would not shirk its responsibility of demarcating the country’s borders to avoid encroachment, adding that the commission was charged with determining and preserving boundary issues.

He also assured that the commission would take action in few months on the border areas with the Republic of Benin to avert possible encroachment in the future.