‘Critical to our survival’ — defence chief calls for border fencing to curb insecurity

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), has called for the fencing of Nigeria’s borders to bolster national security.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a security conference, Musa emphasised the need for effective management of the country’s borders.

He noted that countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had to fence their borders with Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively, due to increased insecurity.

Musa stressed the need to fully secure and assert control over the country’s borders, noting that its perceived wealth and abundant natural resources are making Nigeria a target for insurgents.

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

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

Nigeria shares borders with four countries, including Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad – all of which are currently grappling with varying degrees of insecurity.

However, the country’s porous borders have been widely cited as a key factor fuelling the rise in insurgency and cross-border threats within its territory.