The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for the fencing of Nigeria’s borders with neighboring countries to curb the movement of armed criminals and enhance national security.
Speaking at the inaugural media programme of the 2025 VON Forum, General Musa expressed concern over Nigeria’s vulnerability, being surrounded by four Francophone countries in the unstable Sahel region. He warned that Nigeria’s security could be jeopardized if the Sahel collapses under the current border arrangements.
“Border management is very critical,” General Musa stated. “We have seen nations that, due to insecurity, took the step to fence their borders. If we mention this in Nigeria, people might say it’s impossible. But countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have done it successfully. Pakistan fenced 1,350 kilometers of its border with Afghanistan, and that was when they achieved peace. Similarly, Saudi Arabia and Iraq fenced 1,400 kilometers of their border.”
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Despite these challenges, General Musa reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the nation and ensuring its stability. “Nigeria will not fail as a nation,” he said confidently.
General Musa also emphasized the importance of good governance and local government autonomy, stating that these are essential for delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Additionally, he urged the government to accelerate plans for a comprehensive national census to create an accurate database of all Nigerians. “Do we have a comprehensive database as Nigerians?” he asked. “We need a census that will capture every Nigerian in the world, not just within Nigeria.”
The Defence Chief’s remarks underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address insecurity and strengthen governance in the country.
