Nigeria is facing increasing security challenges along its international borders, including irregular migration, smuggling and other transnational crimes, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji, has warned.
Adaji raised the concern at a High-Level National Workshop on Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation in Abuja, where stakeholders from border states, security agencies and traditional institutions gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening border governance and national security.
According to him, the growing threats confronting border communities underscore the need for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, security agencies and neighbouring countries.
He noted that Nigeria shares about 4,454 kilometres of land borders with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as an 853-kilometre coastline, making coordinated border management critical to national security and economic development.
“The workshop was convened in response to growing transnational threats, irregular migration, smuggling and other emerging challenges affecting border communities,” Adaji said.
The NBC boss also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen local cross-border cooperation through community-based platforms aimed at promoting dialogue, lawful trade, trust-building and security among border communities with shared historical and cultural ties.
Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, called on the NBC to accelerate the demarcation of boundaries across the country to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
Odey said unresolved boundary disputes continue to pose security and development challenges, particularly in border communities. He specifically referenced lingering disputes involving Cross River and neighbouring states, as well as recent tensions linked to the reported incursion of Cameroonian soldiers into Danare community in Boki Local Government Area.
“As a border state, Cross River appreciates the strategic importance of effective border governance and cross-border collaboration,” he said, urging the Commission to address outstanding boundary issues, including concerns surrounding the Bakassi Peninsula.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (Rtd), described Nigeria’s borders as vital gateways for economic activities, cultural exchanges and national security.
He advocated the deployment of modern technology, including drones, intelligence-driven surveillance systems and early warning mechanisms, to strengthen border security and improve responses to emerging threats.
The minister stressed that resilient borders must be secure, adaptive and inclusive, adding that sustained investment, policy coordination and political commitment remain essential for effective border management.
The workshop attracted deputy governors from Nigeria’s 21 border states, traditional rulers, security experts and policymakers. Discussions focused on cross-border cooperation, maritime governance, intelligence gathering, peace-building and the use of technology in securing Nigeria’s borders.