Defence, Security
THE Minister of Defence, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for the integration of surveillance and intelligence-gathering across security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhance national security.
Musa made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC).
Represented by his Special Adviser, Retired Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, the minister said collaboration among security agencies had become imperative in addressing contemporary challenges.
According to him, significant investments have been made in surveillance, monitoring and intelligence-gathering capabilities across various security institutions, making greater integration and information-sharing necessary.
“Collaboration among security agencies remains essential.
“Significant investments have been made in surveillance, monitoring and intelligence-gathering capabilities across various agencies.
“Greater integration and information-sharing among these institutions will enhance efficiency, eliminate duplication and maximise national resources in the collective interest of security,” he said.
The minister described the theme of the seminar “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability” as timely and significant, noting that border security had become increasingly important for Nigeria and other countries across Africa.
He said effective border security was not merely a law enforcement responsibility but a strategic national security imperative.
According to him, Nigeria’s borders serve as gateways for trade, investment and regional integration, but are also vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists, arms traffickers, smugglers, human traffickers and other transnational criminal networks.
Musa said recent developments in the Sahel region and across West Africa had reinforced the need for stronger and more coordinated border management systems.
He identified the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, irregular migration, organised crime and the movement of violent extremist groups across national boundaries as major security concerns.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture as part of broader efforts to safeguard the nation and create an environment conducive to peace, stability and sustainable development.
He said the commitment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises security as the foundation for economic growth, investment and national prosperity.
Musa stressed that securing Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders required more than physical presence, adding that it demanded an integrated approach combining intelligence gathering, modern technology, inter-agency collaboration, robust legal frameworks and strong partnerships with neighbouring countries.
He also advocated the adoption of advanced technologies such as surveillance systems, unmanned aerial platforms, biometric identification tools, satellite monitoring systems and data-driven decision-making processes to strengthen border management.
According to him, no nation can effectively address cross-border security challenges in isolation, making cooperation with neighbouring countries, regional organisations and international partners essential.
The minister further emphasised the strategic importance of border communities and traditional institutions, describing them as critical stakeholders in sustainable border security.
He urged participants at the seminar to focus on practical, innovative and implementable solutions that would strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and national stability.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the continued infiltration of foreign terrorist fighters, illegal arms and extremist ideologies through porous borders posed a significant threat to national security.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Communication, Maj.-Gen. Kennedy Osemwengie, Oluyede called for the establishment of an integrated international border security information-sharing framework, integration of border surveillance systems through modern technologies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
He also called for the implementation of border community stabilisation programmes to secure ungoverned and under-governed spaces.
The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, said effective border management was essential for preventing illegal entry and exit, curbing transnational crimes and facilitating legitimate trade and economic activities.
Ahmed added that an effective border security architecture must combine advanced surveillance technologies, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and well-trained personnel.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhancing national stability.
(NAN)
W.U
June 16, 2026
Tags: Gen. Christopher Musa Gen. Olufemi Oluyede Maj.-Gen. Kennedy Osemwengie Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed