President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, said only God can effectively supervise the country’s border with Niger Republic.

Buhari stated this when he hosted a former vice president, Namadi Sambo, who is leading an ECOWAS election mission to Niger Republic holding its presidential and national assembly elections later this month.

Quoted in a statement by a presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari hailed President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, for not attempting to tamper with the constitution of his country to elongate his stay in power, after serving for the maximum two terms.

He assured that Nigeria would give robust support to Niger Republic.

“I come from Daura, a few kilometres to the Republic of Niger, so I should know a bit about that country.

“The president is quite decent, and we are regularly in touch. He is sticking to the maximum term prescribed by the constitution of his country.

“Also, we share more than 1,400 kilometres of border with that country, which can only be effectively supervised by God.

“I will speak with the president and offer his country our support.

“We need to do all we can to help stabilise the Sahel region, which is also in our interest.”

Earlier, Sambo promised that ECOWAS would ensure peaceful and fair elections in Niger Republic, despite the current political, legal and security issues, adding that meetings were already being held with the relevant stakeholders.

Sambo used the opportunity to congratulate President Buhari on the successful return of abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State, and also his 78th birthday, last week.

Meanwhile, the Presidency said the federal government is considering the closure of four of the nation’s land borders recently reopened over the influx of bandits and small weapons.

A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, gave this hint while featuring on Channels Television’s morning show: ‘Sunrise Daily’.