FG Pushes Intelligence-Led Border Security, Regional Cooperation

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security through intelligence-led strategies, enhanced regional cooperation and greater involvement of local communities in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial boundaries.

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

Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Special Adviser to the Minister, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (retd.), said effective border management remains essential to Nigeria’s national security and economic prosperity.

According to Bankole, Nigeria’s extensive borders serve as critical channels for trade, cultural exchanges and regional integration but are also exposed to threats such as smuggling, irregular migration, trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.

He stressed the need for security agencies to move beyond conventional approaches by embracing intelligence-driven operations, technology-based surveillance systems and stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries.

“Resilient borders are not only secured, but they are adaptive, inclusive and capable of withstanding security threats, climate change and economic disruptions,” he said.

Bankole noted that early warning systems, improved intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among border management institutions would play a vital role in addressing emerging security challenges.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, highlighted the complexity of managing Nigeria’s vast borders, which stretch approximately 4,454 kilometres across Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, in addition to an 853-kilometre coastline.

He explained that the commission has established cross-border cooperation platforms involving traditional rulers, local authorities, security agencies, civil society groups and border communities to promote dialogue, information sharing and conflict prevention.

The workshop also featured discussions on maritime governance, drone technology, the blue economy, peacebuilding and innovative approaches to strengthening border resilience.

The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, emphasised the importance of regional partnerships, noting that border-related challenges cannot be effectively addressed by any country acting alone.

Traditional rulers from border communities called for deeper engagement with local institutions, describing themselves as the first line of intelligence gathering in rural areas.

Participants concluded the workshop by reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at securing Nigeria’s borders, combating transnational crimes and promoting sustainable development in border communities.