Abuja:The Federal Government is enhancing its border surveillance capabilities by deploying drones, satellite imagery, and other advanced technologies to monitor challenging terrains and improve territorial management.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, emphasized the growing importance of technology in areas that are difficult for personnel to access. Drones are capable of providing high-resolution imagery of border corridors, offering valuable data for planning, monitoring, and managing boundaries.
Adaji highlighted that unmanned aerial vehicles can gather information from locations that are difficult for humans to reach. When effectively deployed, these drones can be instrumental in supplying the necessary data for boundary management.
He further stated that satellite equipment and other technological tools would enable authorities to collect information over vast areas, aiding in the monitoring of developments and supporting authorities in taking appropriate measures against emerging challenges.
Effective border management also involves surveillance systems, cameras, and other methods of data collection. This is particularly crucial as Nigeria shares extensive land boundaries with neighboring countries, some of which lack adequate manning.
Adaji noted that while technology is vital, it cannot solve border management issues without cooperation among relevant agencies and neighboring countries. The commission’s main responsibility is to define Nigeria’s territorial limits, allowing other agencies to understand their jurisdictions.
The director-general also pointed out the significance of border communities in surveillance efforts, as they can report suspicious activities to authorities. Providing necessary infrastructure to these communities would encourage their participation and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Adaji assured that the commission would continue collaborating with state and local government boundary committees to gather information and coordinate activities along border areas.