Secure the Borders or Risk Infiltration — Security Expert Advocates Border Fencing with Technology Integration Abuja, Nigeria — June 20, 2025
In a passionate call for heightened border security, a prominent national security analyst has urged the Nigerian government to take decisive steps toward fencing its borders, particularly with Niger Republic, citing the growing threats of insurgency and cross-border terrorism in the Sahel region.
Speaking at a high-level security forum held in Abuja on Thursday, the expert emphasized the strategic importance of physical and technological barriers in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He stressed that surrounding Francophone countries often operate under different security ideologies, making it critical for Nigeria to adopt a more self-reliant and defensive posture.
“So for me, I think, and like I mentioned, all around us, we have Francophone countries. Our ideologies are not the same,” he said. “For us to be secure, it is important — let us fence our borders.”
The speaker did not mince words when responding to critics who argue that such a project would be too expensive. He framed the issue through the lens of national survival, insisting that no cost should be considered too great when weighed against the safety and lives of citizens.
“Some people say, look, it’s expensive. I say, what is money if you are dead?” he challenged. “Countries that have sat down and analyzed their vulnerabilities have come to see that, strategically, it’s important. Because once you fence that area, you use technology.”
He went on to elaborate on the role modern surveillance tools can play in enhancing border control while reducing the strain on human resources. The integration of high-definition cameras, aerial drones, and motion detection systems, he argued, could significantly cut down the need for large numbers of deployed personnel in remote or hostile terrains.
“Now you have cameras, you have drones. It reduces the manpower you need to engage in that area, and they could be used elsewhere. So that’s important,” he added.
Niger-Nigeria Border: A Flashpoint of Concern
The security expert singled out the Nigeria–Niger Republic border as the most pressing priority in any border defense initiative, citing it as a critical entry point for terror groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“And the most critical one for us now — even if we want to start — let’s start with Nigeria and Niger [border],” he said emphatically. “That’s the most dangerous because… that’s where they’re coming in. The Boko Haram are coming in from the Sahel. The ISWAP guys are coming in all through those areas. So that’s why it’s critical.”
The Sahel region, which stretches across parts of Mali, Niger, Chad, and northern Nigeria, has been a hotbed of extremist activity in recent years. With porous borders and limited state presence in some zones, it has become a corridor for the movement of militants, arms, and illicit trade. Nigeria, already grappling with internal insecurity, faces heightened risk from these external threats.
Broader Implications for National Policy
The remarks come amid growing calls from security stakeholders and lawmakers for Nigeria to overhaul its border management strategy. Some advocates have proposed public-private partnerships for fencing projects, while others suggest that a regional framework involving neighboring states could be key to success.
In 2023, the Nigerian government announced a renewed border patrol strategy, which included increased deployment of personnel, community collaboration, and enhanced surveillance. However, critics argue that without physical deterrents and modern technology, such measures are not enough to prevent infiltration.
The suggestion to erect border fences has sparked debate, with some warning of potential diplomatic strain with neighboring countries. Others question the feasibility of fencing Nigeria’s vast and rugged borders, which span over 4,000 kilometers.
Despite these challenges, the expert remained firm in his position.
“If we are serious about defeating terrorism, we must close the doors they walk through,” he concluded. “We can no longer leave our borders open to those who threaten our peace, our sovereignty, and our future.”
As Nigeria continues to search for durable solutions to its multifaceted security crisis, the idea of fortified borders — long considered radical — may soon become a central topic in national defense policy.
Stay with us for more insights, expert analysis, and policy updates on Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.