Ribadu push technology-driven border security, stronger regional cooperation

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, on Tuesday called for the accelerated deployment of modern technology, enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms and stronger regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture.

He warned that porous borders continue to expose the country to terrorism, arms trafficking, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The call was made on Tuesday at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja, where security experts, policymakers and stakeholders gathered to examine strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability.

Represented by Yazid Gbemudu, director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ribadu said Nigeria’s security and development prospects were closely linked to the effectiveness of its border management system.

According to him, while Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders serve as vital channels for trade, regional integration and economic growth, they also present significant vulnerabilities that criminal and terrorist groups continue to exploit.

He identified terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime as major threats emanating from poorly managed borders.

“Weak border governance creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal and terrorist networks, thereby undermining national security and development efforts,” Ribadu said.

The NSA highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise border management through the implementation of the National Border Management Strategy, which promotes an integrated approach to border governance.

He explained that the strategy focuses on strengthening intelligence collaboration, upgrading border infrastructure, enhancing surveillance capabilities and modernising operational processes across border entry and exit points.

Ribadu noted that the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at strategic locations had significantly improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.

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

He stressed the need for the full implementation of an integrated border management framework that would improve coordination among security agencies, intelligence services and law enforcement institutions.

According to him, effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures are essential to confronting contemporary security threats.

The NSA further advocated increased investment in advanced technological solutions, including biometric identification systems, sophisticated surveillance platforms and data-driven security frameworks.

“Modern challenges require modern solutions. Expanding surveillance systems across land, maritime and coastal borders will significantly improve monitoring capabilities and reduce illegal cross-border activities,” he said.

Ribadu also underscored the importance of strengthening regional and bilateral cooperation, arguing that many of the security challenges facing Nigeria transcend national boundaries and require coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.

He called for greater investment in border communities through infrastructure development, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities, noting that such measures would reduce their susceptibility to criminal recruitment and exploitation.

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

Despite ongoing reforms, Ribadu acknowledged persistent challenges, including porous borders, inadequate infrastructure, limited technological capabilities and gaps in inter-agency coordination.

He urged all stakeholders to view border security as a collective responsibility requiring the collaboration of government institutions, security agencies, local communities and international partners.

Also speaking, Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, represented by Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, warned that Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime boundaries continue to pose serious security risks.

He said the country faces growing challenges related to illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.

“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,” he said.

The Senate President stressed the need to prioritise stronger border security through improved surveillance systems, enhanced infrastructure, technological innovation, effective inter-agency collaboration and deeper regional partnerships.

According to him, the transnational nature of many security threats confronting Nigeria makes coordinated responses among countries in the region indispensable.

Akpabio further noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and security.

“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 stated.

He advocated a comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity, stressing that security agencies alone cannot effectively tackle the complex challenges facing the country.

Akpabio said government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the private sector, the media, academia and local communities all have critical roles to play in strengthening national security.

Earlier, Amatare Kpou, Acting President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, described the seminar as an important platform for generating practical solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Kpou said the theme of this year’s seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was particularly relevant given the increasing threats posed by irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

He expressed optimism that discussions at the seminar would produce actionable recommendations capable of supporting policymakers and strengthening ongoing efforts to build a safer and more secure nation.

Nigeria shares more than 4,000 kilometres of land borders with neighbouring countries and maintains a vast coastline, making border security a critical component of its national security strategy.