The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for the immediate fencing of Nigeria’s border with the Niger Republic, describing it as the most porous and dangerous entry point for terrorists into the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News yesterday, General Musa said the Nigerian-Niger border has become a primary route for terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who infiltrate through the Sahel to launch attacks within Nigeria.
“The most dangerous border we have is the one we share with Niger. That’s where most of the terrorists are coming from,” Musa stated. “Our analysis shows that the main attraction for terrorists in the Sahel region is Nigeria. Attacks from Burkina Faso and even areas in Benin Republic are all directed towards us.”
The CDS emphasized that the difference in ideology between Nigeria and its neighboring Francophone countries contributes to the security challenges, further reinforcing the need for physical border control.
“For Nigeria to be secure, it is important we fence our borders,” he said. “Some may argue it’s expensive, but I ask—what is money if you are dead?”
General Musa proposed a phased approach to the fencing project, starting with the most vulnerable points such as the Niger border. He also recommended the use of technology, including drones and surveillance cameras, to reduce the need for extensive manpower while increasing efficiency.
“We can even go state by state. Each state can begin its own fencing project, and gradually we’ll cover the entire border,” he added.
His comments follow a recent massacre in Yelwata community, Benue State, where over 200 people were killed by suspected foreign invaders believed to have entered Nigeria through one of its unsecured borders.
The CDS’s recommendation comes amid growing concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity, especially in border communities frequently targeted by insurgents and armed groups.
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