Ribadu, Akpabio seek technology-driven border security to tackle insecurity

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and address growing security threats across the country.

They made the call at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College 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 tied to the effectiveness of its border security framework.

He noted that while Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders facilitated trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, they also exposed the country to threats, including terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime.

According to him, weak border governance creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal and terrorist networks, thereby undermining national security and development efforts.

“A major pillar of Nigeria’s contemporary border security framework is the National Border Management Strategy, which promotes an integrated border management approach.

“The strategy seeks to enhance intelligence collaboration, strengthen border infrastructure, improve surveillance capabilities and modernise border management processes,” he said.

Ribadu said the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points had improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.

“These initiatives demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its border management practices with international standards,” he added.

The NSA stressed the need for the full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve 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.

He also advocated increased investment in technology-driven border security solutions.

“Expanding surveillance systems across land, maritime and coastal borders will significantly improve monitoring capabilities and reduce illegal cross-border activities.

“Modern challenges require modern solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced border monitoring technologies and data-driven security frameworks,” Ribadu stated.

The NSA further emphasised the importance of regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria’s borders were transnational in nature and required coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.

He also called for greater investment in border communities through sustainable development, improved infrastructure and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to criminal exploitation.

“Strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture is fundamental to ensuring national stability, protecting territorial integrity and promoting socio-economic development,” he said.

Ribadu, however, acknowledged challenges such as porous borders, inadequate infrastructure, limited technological capabilities and gaps in inter-agency coordination, saying they required urgent attention.

“Border security is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of security agencies, government institutions, border communities and international partners,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, said Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime boundaries posed significant security challenges.

“As a country with extensive land and maritime boundaries, Nigeria faces significant challenges relating to border control, illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.

“It is therefore imperative that Nigeria prioritises the strengthening of its border security architecture through improved surveillance, enhanced infrastructure, better inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and stronger regional cooperation,” he said.

Akpabio noted that many of the security threats confronting Nigeria had transnational dimensions, making coordinated responses essential.

He stressed that peace and security remained prerequisites for meaningful national development.

“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 addressing insecurity.

According to him, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and academia all have critical roles to play in safeguarding the country.

Earlier, the Acting President of AANDEC, Commodore Amatare Kpou (retd.), described the seminar as a key platform for promoting informed discourse on national security challenges and opportunities.

Kpou said the theme of the seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was timely, given the growing threats of irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations would generate useful recommendations for policymakers and contribute to efforts aimed at building a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Nigeria shares over 4,000 kilometres of land borders with neighbouring countries and an extensive coastline, making border security a critical component of national security.

Authorities have repeatedly identified porous borders as 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.