Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS)

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for the fencing of Nigeria’s borders as a strategic measure to strengthen national security and curb the growing threat of insurgency.

Speaking in Abuja today at a security conference, Musa said the country’s vast and porous borders remain a major challenge in the fight against insecurity. He cited examples of countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which have fenced their borders with Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively, in response to similar threats.

“Other countries, because of the level of insecurity they have, had to fence their borders,” Musa stated. “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—the Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad—many of which are currently battling serious internal security challenges.

The CDS emphasized that securing the country’s borders has become more urgent due to Nigeria’s vast natural resources and strategic position in West Africa, which he said makes it a prime target for criminal and insurgent activities.