The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, recently drew national attention to one of the most neglected pillars of Nigeria’s internal security which involves the state of its borders.
He emphasized the urgent need for the country to be more conscious of the boundaries that define its territorial integrity. His warning was direct and timely, noting that leaving the nation’s borders unattended could lead to grave repercussions, especially as foreign elements continue to cross into Nigeria unchecked.
Border management, according to General Musa, is no longer a routine administrative task but a national security priority. Every unguarded border, he said, represents a doorway for threats that can destabilize communities, weaken the economy, and endanger the peace that sustains national unity.
He called for a deliberate and sustained effort toward border fortification, a strong network of surveillance, patrol, and coordination among all security agencies. Such an effort, he explained, must not be viewed solely as a military responsibility but as a collective national obligation. The safety of Nigeria’s borders directly affects the safety of its people.
For this initiative to succeed, it must attract full political commitment. Without the direct involvement of both the executive and the legislature, any attempt to secure the nation’s borders will remain incomplete. If the country truly desires progress in its fight against insecurity, then the control and protection of its borders should rank among its highest priorities.
Nigeria is strategically positioned in West Africa and shares land borders with four countries, Benin Republic to the west, Niger Republic to the north, Chad Republic to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east and southeast. These boundaries stretch across vast terrains, from open plains to dense forests and river crossings. Effective management of such wide borders requires manpower, modern equipment, and coordinated effort.
According to data from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria has over 1,400 entry routes. Out of these, only about 80 are officially recognized and sparsely manned. The remaining routes are largely unmanned, offering easy passage for individuals whose identities and intentions remain unknown.
The consequences of this situation are far-reaching. Smugglers, human traffickers, and armed groups exploit these open routes to move weapons, drugs, and contraband in and out of the country. Such unchecked movement undermines national security, damages the economy, and complicates efforts to maintain law and order.
Apart from land routes, Nigeria also faces increasing exposure through its hydro routes, the Atlantic coastline, the Badagry and Lagos waters, the Cross River estuaries, the Warri and Escravos creeks, and the inland waterways around Port Harcourt and Calabar. These maritime corridors play essential roles in trade and transportation but have also become channels for illegal migration and unregulated movement of goods.
The task of securing these multiple entry points demands a comprehensive approach. Strengthening land borders alone is not enough. Maritime and inland water security must receive equal attention, as they form part of the same national security framework. Naval patrols and surveillance along the coastlines and waterways should be intensified to complement efforts on land.
As Nigeria continues to pursue growth and development, border control must remain central to its strategy for peace and stability. The influx of illegal immigrants not only threatens internal security but also burdens public services, distorts national data, and weakens social cohesion. The country cannot achieve lasting progress without first ensuring that its borders are properly protected.
Economic advancement depends on safety. Without secure borders, investment, agriculture, and trade remain vulnerable to disruption. National planning, census, and resource distribution also become unreliable when population movement across borders is not regulated. A strong border policy therefore supports both national security and sustainable development.
Technology offers an effective tool in this mission. Drones, sensors, biometric data systems, and satellite surveillance should be deployed to monitor and manage movement across entry points. These systems will enhance early detection, improve accuracy, and reduce human error in border patrol operations.
Communities living along border areas must also be engaged as partners in security. Many of them have lived for generations without consistent government presence. Empowering these communities through civic education, infrastructure, and inclusion will strengthen intelligence gathering and foster trust between residents and security agencies.
The creation of a National Border Management Policy would provide clarity and structure. It should clearly define the responsibilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service, Armed Forces, and Police, while ensuring a unified command system that encourages collaboration rather than competition among agencies.
The call to secure Nigeria’s borders can no longer be postponed. It demands unified effort, sustained funding, and leadership commitment. The Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all security agencies must work as one to ensure that every land, sea, and air entry point is adequately guarded. The safety of the nation depends on the strength of its borders and the resolve of its leaders to protect them.
Nigeria must now guard its gates with the seriousness that sovereignty demands. A country that cannot control who enters its territory cannot fully guarantee the safety of its people. The time for decisive action is now.
– Oyigu Elijah writes from Abuja.
