Abuja: The Minister of Defence, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for the integration of surveillance and intelligence-gathering across security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhance national security. Musa made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister, represented by his Special Adviser, Retired Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, emphasized the necessity of collaboration among security agencies to address contemporary challenges. He noted that significant investments in surveillance, monitoring, and intelligence-gathering capabilities across various security institutions necessitate greater integration and information-sharing to enhance efficiency and eliminate duplication.
The minister highlighted the seminar’s theme, ‘Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,’ as timely, noting the increasing importance of border security for Nigeria and other African countries. Effective border security, he said, transcends law enforcement and constitutes a strategic national security imperative, as Nigeria’s borders serve both as economic gateways and as potential vulnerabilities to transnational criminal networks.
Recent developments in the Sahel region and West Africa, Musa pointed out, have reinforced the need for coordinated border management systems. He identified challenges such as the proliferation of small arms, irregular migration, organized crime, and extremist groups as major security concerns. The Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening border security aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which views security as foundational for economic growth.
Musa advocated for an integrated approach to border security, combining intelligence gathering, modern technology, inter-agency collaboration, and strong international partnerships. He recommended adopting advanced technologies like surveillance systems, unmanned aerial platforms, biometric tools, and data-driven processes to enhance border management. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries and the strategic role of border communities and traditional institutions in sustainable security efforts.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the threat posed by porous borders to national security. He called for an integrated international border security information-sharing framework and border community stabilization programs.
Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the NDC, stressed the importance of effective border management in preventing illegal activities and facilitating legitimate trade. He advocated for a combination of advanced technologies, inter-agency collaboration, and well-trained personnel to enhance border security.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhancing national stability.