Nigeria’s minister of defence, Christopher Musa, claims that the nation’s insecurity situation is being exacerbated by its porous borders.
In an interview with the BBC, Musa stated that the federal government is investigating ways to stop unlawful crossings that enable terrorists, robbers, and kidnappers to operate throughout Nigeria, including border walls and cutting-edge technology.
“Porous borders are one of the main reasons for insecurity in Nigeria,” Musa said.
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He pointed out that although it might not be possible to construct a physical wall over all of Nigeria’s more than 4,000 km of land borders, technology can assist in tracking movement and sounding alerts when individuals pass unlawfully.
He pointed out that although it might not be possible to construct a physical wall over all of Nigeria’s more than 4,000 km of land borders, technology can assist in tracking movement and sounding alerts when individuals pass unlawfully.
Other nations with far longer frontiers have effectively employed comparable procedures, the former chief of military staff continued.
According to Christopher Musa, the government intends to collaborate closely with border villages to make sure locals are aware of their part in preventing terrorism.
“Maybe we cannot have physical walls everywhere, but there is technology we can deploy systematically. Once someone crosses, an alarm is triggered and we take action,” he said.
“We need to create awareness and communicate with communities so they do not support terrorists in any way.”
Musa’s comments follow widespread kidnappings in the states of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara as 2025 came to an end.
Christopher Musa claimed that the terrorists were compelled to return to the Niger Republic after the United States launched airstrikes on alleged Lakurawa terrorist group hideouts in Sokoto state on Christmas Day.
Additionally, he denied allegations that the government pays ransom to bandits, stating that many kidnappers desert their victims when the military corners them.
“We do not approve ransom payments for any reason,” Musa said.
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The minister further dismissed allegations by US President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, noting that the violence affects all Nigerians regardless of religion.
“Nigerians are being killed. That is the bottom line,” he said.
“Our focus is to stop the killings, whoever the perpetrators or victims are.”
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