The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, have advocated the deployment of modern technology and enhanced regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and address growing security challenges across the country.
They made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Yazid Gbemudu, Ribadu said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability were closely linked to the effectiveness of its border security framework.
He noted that while Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders facilitate trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, they also expose the country to threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime.
According to the NSA, weak border governance creates vulnerabilities that criminal and terrorist networks can exploit, thereby undermining national security and development efforts.
Ribadu highlighted the National Border Management Strategy as a key component of Nigeria’s border security framework, noting that it promotes an integrated approach to border management through improved intelligence collaboration, enhanced infrastructure, strengthened surveillance capabilities and modernised border control processes.
He said the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at strategic entry and exit points had improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.
The NSA stressed the need for full implementation of an integrated border management system to enhance coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
“Effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures are essential for addressing contemporary security threats,” he said.
Ribadu also called for increased investment in technology-driven security solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance technologies and data-driven security frameworks to improve monitoring and curb illegal cross-border activities.
He further emphasized the importance of regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many border-related security challenges are transnational and require coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.
The NSA urged greater investment in border communities through sustainable development initiatives, improved infrastructure and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to criminal exploitation.
While acknowledging challenges such as porous borders, inadequate infrastructure, limited technological capabilities and gaps in inter-agency coordination, Ribadu described border security as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, border communities and international partners.
Speaking at the seminar, Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said Nigeria’s vast land and maritime boundaries present significant security challenges, including illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
He stressed the need for improved surveillance systems, enhanced infrastructure, better inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and stronger regional partnerships to strengthen border security.
Akpabio noted that many security threats facing Nigeria have transnational dimensions, making coordinated regional responses indispensable.
“There can be no meaningful development without peace and security. Porous and poorly managed borders can become vulnerabilities that undermine national security efforts and national stability,” he said.
The Senate President also advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity, emphasizing the roles of government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and academia in safeguarding the nation.
Earlier, Acting President of AANDEC, Commodore Amatare Kpou (retd.), described the seminar as a vital platform for promoting informed discussions on national security issues.
He said the seminar’s theme, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was timely in view of increasing threats posed by irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
Kpou expressed optimism that the seminar would generate practical recommendations for policymakers and contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing national security and stability.
Nigeria shares more than 4,000 kilometres of land borders with neighbouring countries and possesses an extensive coastline, making border security a critical component of its national security strategy. Authorities have consistently identified porous borders as major channels for terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes. The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen border management through technology, intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.
