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.
Adaji said the commission had established cross-border cooperation platforms involving border communities, traditional rulers, local authorities, security agencies and civil society organisations to support dialogue, information gathering and conflict prevention.
The workshop featured presentations on cross-border cooperation, maritime governance and the blue economy, as well as drone technology, border resilience and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at strengthening national security.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, called for greater cooperation among countries, noting that border-related challenges cannot be effectively managed in isolation.
Deputy governors and chairmen of State Boundary Committees from Nigeria’s border states also commended the National Boundary Commission’s advocacy efforts and pledged support for initiatives aimed at improving border security and tackling transboundary crimes.
Traditional rulers from communities along Nigeria’s international borders urged the government to deepen engagement with traditional institutions. They described traditional rulers as the “first eyes and ears” of border communities and called for their inclusion in security coordination efforts.
The workshop concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening border security, improving resilience and promoting economic activities in border communities.
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