Ribadu, Akpabio advocate technology, regional cooperation for stronger border security

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, have called for the adoption of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to enhance Nigeria’s border security and tackle growing security threats across the country.

The call was made on Tuesday during the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Yazid Gbemudu, Ribadu said Nigeria’s national stability and territorial integrity depend largely on the effectiveness of its border security system.

He noted that Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders support trade, economic growth and regional integration, but also expose the country to threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other transnational crimes.

According to him, weak border management creates opportunities for criminal and terrorist groups to operate, thereby threatening national security and development.

Ribadu said the Federal Government has continued to implement the National Border Management Strategy, which promotes an integrated approach to border security. He explained that the strategy focuses on improving intelligence sharing, strengthening border infrastructure, enhancing surveillance and modernising border management processes.

He added that the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological tools at major entry and exit points has improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.

The National Security Adviser stressed the need for full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve collaboration among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

He also called for greater investment in technology-driven solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance equipment and data-based security frameworks.

“Modern challenges require modern solutions,” Ribadu said, adding that stronger surveillance across land, maritime and coastal borders would help reduce illegal cross-border activities.

He further emphasised the importance of cooperation with neighbouring countries, noting that many security challenges affecting Nigeria are transnational and require joint responses.

Ribadu also urged the government to invest in border communities through improved infrastructure, sustainable development and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities.

Speaking at the seminar, Sen. Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, said Nigeria’s extensive borders present significant security challenges, including illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.

He said the country must strengthen its border security architecture through improved surveillance, better infrastructure, enhanced inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and regional cooperation.

Sen. Akpabio stressed that peace and security are essential for national development, warning that poorly managed borders can undermine efforts to maintain stability.

He also advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity, involving government agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions, the private sector, the media and academia.

Earlier, Acting President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, Commodore Amatare Kpou (retd.), described the seminar as an important platform for discussing national security issues.

He said the seminar’s theme, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was timely given the rising threats of smuggling, trafficking, irregular migration and other cross-border crimes.

Commodore Kpou expressed confidence that the discussions would produce useful recommendations to support government efforts aimed at building a safer and more secure Nigeria.