Locals raise fears over illegal Bougainville border crossings into Solomon Islands

People of Northwest Choiseul fear for their safety and security as a result of illegal border crossing between Bougainville and Solomon Islands.

Nerio Ulemiki, SIBC stringer from Northwest Choiseul reports criminal activities in the area are on the rise.

He said that included trading of illegal firearms and smuggling over the border of illict materials – a direct impact of illegal border crossing.

Mr Ulemiki said the safety and security of Northwest Choiseul was now at risk. He said border residents called on the Governments of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to address the issue of illegal movement between the two Melanesian states.