FG, Border States, Traditional Rulers Forge Alliance Against Cross-Border Crimes

The Federal Government, border states and traditional rulers have pledged deeper collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and combat rising threats from transnational crimes, smuggling and irregular migration.

The commitment was made at a high-level national workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” organised by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in Abuja.

Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Special Adviser to the Minister, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd), said effective border management remains a critical pillar of national security and economic development.

He described Nigeria’s borders as strategic gateways for trade, cultural exchange and regional integration, while also serving as frontline zones in the fight against transnational criminal activities and emerging security threats.

Bankole stressed the need to move beyond conventional security approaches by embracing proactive measures such as technology-driven surveillance, early warning systems and enhanced intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries.

According to him, resilient borders must be capable of adapting to evolving security challenges, climate-related pressures and economic disruptions.

“Resilient borders are not only secured, they are adaptive, inclusive and capable of withstanding security threats, climate change and economic disruptions,” he stated.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, underscored the importance of collective action in managing Nigeria’s extensive border network.

He noted that Nigeria shares approximately 4,454 kilometres of land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, in addition to an 853-kilometre coastline, making collaboration among stakeholders essential.

Adaji disclosed that the Commission has established several cross-border cooperation platforms involving border communities, traditional rulers, local authorities, security agencies and civil society organisations to enhance dialogue, intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.

He said the platforms are helping to strengthen peaceful coexistence among border populations while improving responses to security challenges.

The workshop featured presentations on maritime governance and the blue economy, cross-border cooperation mechanisms, drone technology, border resilience and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at enhancing national security.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, called for stronger regional partnerships, noting that no nation can effectively address border-related challenges in isolation.

Deputy governors and chairmen of state boundary committees from Nigeria’s border states commended the NBC for its advocacy efforts and pledged increased support for initiatives aimed at tackling transboundary crimes and strengthening border governance.

Traditional rulers from communities along Nigeria’s international borders, led by the Emir of Machina, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir, urged the government to institutionalise the role of traditional institutions in security coordination.

The monarch described traditional rulers as the “first eyes and ears” of border communities and called for their inclusion as active partners in intelligence gathering and community engagement.

The workshop concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to building secure, resilient and economically productive borders capable of supporting national development and regional stability.