The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has identified Nigeria’s porous borders as a major driver of terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational crime threatening national security.
Ribadu made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Defence College (NDC).
The seminar, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” brought together security experts, policymakers, military officers, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders to examine ways of improving border management and national security.
Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at ONSA, Ambassador Yazid Gbemudu, the NSA said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and overall stability depend significantly on the effectiveness of its border security system.
According to him, while the country’s vast land and maritime borders provide opportunities for trade, economic growth and regional integration, they also create vulnerabilities that criminal and terrorist groups exploit.
“These borders facilitate trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, but they also expose the country to threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime,” he said.
Ribadu noted that weak border governance continues to create security gaps that enable criminal networks and terrorist organisations to operate across borders, thereby undermining national development and stability.
He highlighted the National Border Management Strategy as a critical component of Nigeria’s border security framework, explaining that it promotes an integrated approach to border management through collaboration among relevant agencies.
According to him, the strategy focuses on enhancing intelligence sharing, strengthening border infrastructure, improving surveillance capabilities and modernising border operations.
The NSA also pointed to the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points, saying these tools have improved data collection, traveler screening and migration monitoring.
To further strengthen border security, Ribadu called for the full implementation of an integrated border management system that would improve coordination among security agencies, intelligence services and law enforcement institutions.
He stressed that effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised procedures are essential in addressing modern security threats.
The NSA further advocated increased investment in technology-driven solutions such as biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance equipment and data-based security frameworks.
He also underscored the importance of regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many border-related security challenges are transnational and require coordinated efforts among neighbouring countries.
In addition, Ribadu emphasised the need to develop border communities through improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and social services, arguing that such measures would reduce residents’ vulnerability to criminal recruitment and exploitation.
He maintained that strengthening border communities remains a vital component of achieving long-term peace, security and national stability.
