Presidency refutes Atiku's border reopening pledge, states borders are already open

Dare stated on Friday that the country's land borders are already open, with the Federal Government having announced their reopening on March 14, 2024. He cited President Bola Tinubu's personal opening of the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, as evidence. Dare questioned Atiku's pledge, suggesting it indicates a lack of understanding or an attempt to deceive.

He emphasized that an "open border" is not an "uncontrolled border," highlighting the need for effective border management to facilitate legitimate movement and trade while preventing criminal activities like terrorism, arms trafficking, and human trafficking. Dare pointed out the security risks in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions, noting that a significant percentage of terrorist attacks occur near international borders. He argued that Nigeria's security deployment in the North-East and North-West corridors is responsible border security, not an indication of closed borders.

Dare challenged Atiku to provide a detailed policy alternative for border management rather than a mere campaign slogan, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve a conversation about technology-monitored, intelligence-led, and secure borders integrated into national security and economic strategy.