‘Critical To Our Survival’: Defence Chief Calls For Border Fencing To Curb Insecurity.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has made a compelling case for the construction of fences along the nation’s borders to address the escalating insecurity plaguing the country. Speaking at a security conference in Abuja on Tuesday, General Musa described border management as “critical to our survival and sovereignty,” urging the Federal Government to take decisive action to secure Nigeria’s frontiers.
General Musa highlighted the prolonged security challenges facing Nigeria, including a 16-year insurgency in the northeast led by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He noted that armed groups, including foreign fighters, have exploited Nigeria’s porous borders with neighbouring countries—Niger, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad—to infiltrate and perpetrate attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence.
“Other countries, because of the level of insecurity they have, had to fence their borders,” General Musa stated, citing successful examples such as Pakistan’s 1,350-kilometre fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia’s 1,400-kilometre barrier with Iraq. He stressed that Nigeria, surrounded by four Francophone nations grappling with militant campaigns across the Sahel, must follow suit to stem the tide of cross-border threats. “It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders,” he added.
Nigeria shares its longest border—1,975 kilometres—with Cameroon in the northeast, a known hotspot for Boko Haram activity. The country also has a 1,500-kilometre border with Niger and an 85-kilometre boundary with Chad, both of which have lost territory to armed groups. General Musa warned that Nigeria’s perceived wealth and abundant natural resources make it a prime target for insurgents, underscoring the urgency of bolstering border security.
The defence chief’s proposal marks the first time a senior Nigerian official has publicly advocated for such a measure. He acknowledged the challenges but remained resolute, assuring attendees at the inaugural Voice of Nigeria (VON) forum that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not fail the nation. “Nigeria will not fail,” he declared, calling for collective action to realise the country’s potential and protect its sovereignty.
In addition to fencing, General Musa urged the government to expedite a national census to create a comprehensive database of citizens, enhancing security and accountability. He also emphasised the critical role of the media in combating misinformation and fostering national cohesion, warning that the spread of falsehoods undermines efforts to tackle insecurity.
This bold proposal comes as Nigeria’s military continues to grapple with widespread security issues, from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes. The call for border fencing has sparked debate, with some questioning the feasibility and cost, while others see it as a necessary step to safeguard the nation. As the government considers this ambitious initiative, Nigerians await further details on how such a project might be implemented to secure the country’s future.