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Nigeria in recent days closed its border with neighboring Benin, citing an intolerable level of cross-border crime. Military forces have placed tanks and police vehicles on highways at the major checkpoint near Seme in order to block traffic.

The decision to shut the border indicates growing tensions between the two states. Benin is the main transit route for illicit trade from Nigeria -- especially for smuggled fuel -- and Abuja's move will directly impact the country's $2.6 billion economy. Of greater significance, the border closing reflects Nigeria's growing sense of confidence. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, having won re-election and now becoming a proxy serving U.S. interests in the region, is now setting out to redefine Nigeria's regional role.

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