By National News
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has blamed Nigeria’s porous borders for the rise in terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and irregular migration.
Ribadu made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, AANDEC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Defence College.
The theme was “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability”.
He was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at ONSA, Ambassador Yazid Gbemudu.
Ribadu said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and stability are directly tied to how effective its border security architecture is.
While the country’s extensive land and maritime borders create opportunities for trade, regional integration and socio-economic growth, they also expose it to transnational threats.
“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.
He added that weak border governance creates gaps that criminal and terrorist networks exploit, undermining both security and development.
According to the NSA, the National Border Management Strategy is a key pillar of Nigeria’s current border security framework.
The strategy promotes integrated border management and focuses on improving intelligence sharing, strengthening infrastructure, upgrading surveillance, and modernizing border processes.
He noted that the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technology at major entry and exit points has improved data collection, traveler screening and migration monitoring.
Ribadu called for full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
He said joint operations, effective intelligence sharing and harmonized border procedures are critical to tackling modern security threats.
He also urged increased investment in technology-driven solutions such as biometric identification, advanced surveillance and data-driven security frameworks.
Stronger regional and bilateral cooperation is also needed, he said, because most border crimes are transnational and require coordinated action with neighbouring countries.
Ribadu further stressed that border communities must be strengthened through sustainable development, better infrastructure and economic opportunities. That, he said, would reduce their vulnerability to criminal exploitation and promote stability.
The seminar drew senior military officers, security experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s border security and enhance national stability.
