By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria’s worsening security crisis has once again brought border control to the centre of national debate, as the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, renewed calls for the country to adopt physical border barriers backed by modern surveillance systems to stem the tide of terrorism and cross-border crime.
Speaking in a fresh interview with BBC Hausa, the defence minister warned that Nigeria’s vast and largely unsecured borders continue to provide easy access for terrorists, bandits, arms traffickers, and other transnational criminal networks operating across West Africa.
According to Musa, until Nigeria decisively addresses border vulnerability, armed groups will keep exploiting weak entry points to strike communities and retreat across national boundaries without consequence.
Border Insecurity Remains a Major National Threat
Musa made it clear that border weakness is no longer a secondary issue but a core driver of insecurity in Nigeria. He explained that many terror attacks are planned and executed by criminals who move freely between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Responding directly to whether he still supports the idea of constructing border fences, the minister answered with strong conviction.
“Yes, absolutely,” Musa said, stressing that physical structures remain one of the most effective deterrents against illegal movement.
He noted that countries across the world have relied on border walls and fencing to control migration, trafficking, and terrorism, arguing that Nigeria should not shy away from similar measures.
“If we have a border wall in strategic areas, it will stop criminals from entering, carrying out attacks, and disappearing,” he said.
Walls Alone Are Not Enough — Technology Is Key
While advocating for physical barriers, Musa acknowledged that Nigeria’s geography makes it impossible to build walls across every kilometre of its borders. Rivers, lakes, forests, and rugged terrain pose serious limitations.
However, he insisted that these challenges should not become excuses for inaction.
“There are places where water bodies make it impossible to build walls,” he explained. “That is why technology must come in.”
According to the minister, advanced surveillance tools, including monitoring devices and remote detection systems, can track movement across difficult terrain and alert security agencies in real time.
He said modern technology now allows the military to observe suspicious activity from a distance and respond rapidly, even in areas where permanent troop deployment is not feasible.
Public Cooperation Is a Security Weapon
Beyond infrastructure and equipment, Musa emphasized that citizen cooperation remains one of Nigeria’s strongest yet underutilised security assets.
He urged Nigerians living in border and rural communities to stay alert and report unfamiliar movements or suspicious individuals to security agencies without delay.
“When people see strange faces or unusual movement, they must know how and where to report it,” he said. “Speed saves lives.”
The defence minister noted that many successful military operations have been triggered by timely intelligence from civilians, adding that silence often emboldens criminals.
Strong Warning to Terror Collaborators
Musa issued a blunt warning to individuals who assist terrorists and bandits, whether through food supply, logistics, trade, or intelligence sharing.
He described such actions as direct participation in bloodshed, regardless of the financial incentives involved.
“Anyone who sells food to them, gives them information, or alerts them about troop movements must stop,” he warned.
According to him, the money earned from aiding criminals carries a heavy moral and spiritual burden.
“That money is blood money,” Musa said. “It will not bring peace to anyone.”
Federal Government Scaling Up Military Support
Reassuring Nigerians, the defence minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is significantly increasing support for the armed forces.
He said the president has approved more equipment, enhanced logistics, and better operational tools to strengthen the capacity of security agencies across the country.
“This is not talk,” Musa said. “The president is backing us with action and resources.”
He added that the integration of technology into military operations has reduced the need for widespread troop deployment while improving response time.
Regional Partnerships Remain Critical
Musa also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, noting that Nigeria’s borders connect directly with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of Benin.
Given the cross-border nature of terrorism, he said Nigeria is working closely with neighbouring countries to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts.
“We cannot fight this alone,” he said. “Many of these criminals come from outside Nigeria.”
He stressed that regional collaboration remains vital to dismantling terror networks that operate beyond national boundaries.
Rejecting Religious Framing of Violence
Addressing international claims that Nigeria’s violence targets Christians specifically, Musa rejected the narrative as inaccurate and misleading.
He said terrorism in Nigeria spares no one and affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
“Christians are killed, Muslims are killed, and people with no religion are killed,” he stated. “These criminals do not care.”
Musa said the Nigerian government has clarified the situation to U.S. officials, stressing that the crisis is rooted in terrorism and criminality, not religious persecution.
Airstrikes Forced Bandits Out of Nigeria
On recent military operations, Musa revealed that airstrikes in states like Sokoto dealt significant damage to bandit groups, forcing many survivors to flee into neighbouring countries, particularly Niger Republic.
He warned communities to be cautious of armed outsiders who initially pose as peaceful settlers before gradually taking over land and unleashing violence.
“Some of them enter as friends,” he said. “Later, they seize land and start killing.”
A Call for Unity and National Responsibility
The defence minister concluded with a strong call for unity, urging Nigerians to support security agencies and reject all forms of collaboration with criminals.
“No one will defend Nigeria better than Nigerians,” Musa said. “We must stand together.”
As insecurity continues to challenge the nation, Musa’s renewed push highlights the growing consensus that Nigeria border security and terrorism must be tackled through a blend of physical barriers, technology, citizen vigilance, and regional cooperation.
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