Wednesday, 04 June 2025 04:34

Nigeria’s military chief says building border walls with neighboring countries necessary for national security

Rate this item
(0 votes)

 

Nigeria's defence chief on Tuesday called for the country's borders with its four neighbours to be completely fenced to curb the entrance of armed groups amid escalating insecurity.

Nigeria's military has been strained by widespread security issues, particularly a 16-year insurgency in the northeast led by Islamist militant group Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. Security forces and civilians have been attacked and killed and tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Defence Chief of Staff, General Christopher Musa, who spoke at a security conference in the capital Abuja, said "border management is very critical," citing Pakistan's 1,350 km (839 miles) fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia's 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as successful precedents.

This is the first time a top Nigerian official has publicly suggested such a measure.

"Other countries, because of the level of insecurity they have, had to fence their borders," he said.

Nigeria borders Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad, which are all grappling with escalating militant campaigns across the Sahel.

Nigerian authorities often attribute its prolonged insurgency, including recent attacks on military stations, to foreign fighter infiltration.

Nigeria's longest border (1,975 km) is with Cameroon in the northeast, a Boko Haram hotspot. It also shares 1,500 km with Niger and 85 km with Chad, nations that have lost territory to armed groups.

Musa warned Nigeria's perceived wealth makes it a target.

"It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders," he said. "It is critical for our survival and sovereignty."

 

Reuters

June 05, 2025

Nigerian Stock Market extends bull run with N483bn two-day gain

The Nigerian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience with a sustained upward trajectory over two…
June 02, 2025

Afenifere blasts Tinubu: ‘Midterm report shows woeful failure, economic deforms, and rising despair’

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has issued a scathing midterm assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s…
June 05, 2025

This is the process that lets managers get the best out of their team

Frans Van Loef What does it mean to be a manager? In today’s world, managers…
May 31, 2025

Tools made of whale bones reveal inventiveness of prehistoric people

Artifacts found at archeological sites in France and Spain along the Bay of Biscay shoreline…
June 05, 2025

NCC warns DJs: Unlicensed music use could lead to 5-year jail term

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to disc jockeys (DJs) against…
June 05, 2025

What to know after Day 1197 of Russia-Ukraine war

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE Kiev regime ‘not interested in peace,’ turning to terror, suffering ‘huge losses’ on…
June 02, 2025

Opportunities and challenges unveiled: How AI revolutionizes education and mental health support

Terence Ma Tin Shu Play time helps both kids and adults in prevention and healing…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.