FG pushes intelligence-led border security, resilience

The Federal Government has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among federal agencies, border states, traditional institutions and neighbouring countries to improve border security and address cross-border threats.

The position was highlighted at a one-day national workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” organised by the National Boundary Commission in Abuja.

Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, at the event, the Special Adviser to the Minister, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (retd.), said effective border management remains critical to national security and economic development.

He noted that Nigeria’s borders serve as important channels for trade, interaction and shared heritage, but also remain vulnerable to transnational crimes, irregular migration, smuggling and other security challenges.

Bankole said there was a need to move beyond traditional security approaches by adopting proactive measures such as early warning systems, technology-driven surveillance and stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms with neighbouring countries.

According to him, “resilient borders are not only secured, but they are adaptive, inclusive and capable of withstanding security threats, climate change and economic disruptions.”

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, said border management requires coordinated action among multiple stakeholders. He noted that Nigeria shares about 4,454 kilometres of land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, in addition to an approximately 853-kilometre coastline.