Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has proposed the construction of fences along the country’s borders with neighboring nations Cameroon, Niger, Benin, and Chad as a strategic measure to curb the infiltration of armed groups and enhance national security.
Speaking at a security conference in Abuja, General Musa highlighted the challenges posed by Nigeria’s porous borders, which have been exploited by insurgents and criminal elements to perpetrate attacks and smuggle arms. He cited successful examples of border fencing in countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as models for Nigeria to consider.
The Defence Chief emphasized that securing the nation’s borders is critical to safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting citizens from external threats. He noted that Nigeria’s extensive borders, particularly the nearly 2,000 km stretch with Cameroon, have made it vulnerable to cross-border insurgency activities.
General Musa’s proposal marks the first time a high-ranking Nigerian official has publicly suggested such a measure, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for robust border security infrastructure.
The suggestion has sparked discussions among policymakers and security experts on the feasibility, cost, and potential impact of border fencing as part of a comprehensive strategy to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
