To halt the infiltration of armed groups, Nigeria's top defence official suggests an ambitious plan to entirely fence the nation's borders with its four neighbouring countries.
Nigeria's Defence Chief of Staff on Tuesday proposed the complete fencing of the nation's borders with its four neighbours, a drastic measure aimed at stemming the influx of armed groups and tackling escalating insecurity across the country. This marks the first time such a suggestion has been publicly put forth by a high-ranking Nigerian official.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, speaking at a security conference in Abuja, emphasised that "border management is very critical" for Nigeria's survival and sovereignty. He cited successful precedents like Pakistan's 1,350 km fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia's 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as models for Nigeria to consider.
Nigeria's military is currently stretched thin battling widespread security challenges, most notably a 16-year insurgency in the northeast spearheaded by Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The conflict has resulted in countless attacks, civilian and military casualties, and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Nigerian authorities frequently attribute the persistent insurgency, including recent assaults on military installations, to the infiltration of foreign fighters.
Nigeria shares borders with Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad, all of which are themselves grappling with intensifying militant campaigns across the Sahel region. Nigeria's longest border, stretching 1,975 km, is with Cameroon in the northeast, a major hotspot for Boko Haram activity. It also shares 1,500 km with Niger and 85 km with Chad, nations that have experienced territorial losses to armed groups.
General Musa warned that Nigeria's perceived economic strength makes it an attractive target for these groups. "It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in," he stated. "That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders."
The proposal to fence Nigeria's extensive borders is a significant escalation in the discourse surrounding national security. While the practicalities and cost of such an undertaking would be immense, the defence chief's call underscores the gravity of the security situation and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect Nigeria's territory and its citizens.
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