National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has identified porous borders as a major factor enabling terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria. He made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar, themed 'Strengthening Nigeria's Border Security Architecture for National Stability'. Ribadu was represented by Amb. Yazid Gbemudu, Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Ribadu stated that Nigeria's extensive land and maritime borders, while beneficial for trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, also expose the country to transnational security threats. "These borders facilitate trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, but they also expose the country to threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime," he said.
He emphasized that weak border governance creates vulnerabilities exploited by criminal and terrorist networks, undermining national security and development. The National Border Management Strategy, according to Ribadu, remains central to Nigeria's border security framework, promoting an integrated approach to border management. The strategy aims to enhance intelligence collaboration, strengthen border infrastructure, improve surveillance and modernise border processes.
Deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points has improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring. Ribadu called for full implementation of an integrated border management system to boost coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. He advocated for increased investment in technology-driven solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance technologies and data-driven security frameworks.
Nuhu Ribadu points to porous borders as a key enabler of terrorism while his office promotes a national strategy that has not stopped the threats it aims to curb. The continued reliance on the same border framework, despite ongoing smuggling and trafficking, suggests a gap between policy and outcome. Nigerians living near border communities remain exposed to criminal networks the state admits it cannot fully control. The persistence of these threats under a declared national strategy weakens confidence in its real-time effectiveness.
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