The House of Representatives has warned that 1,894 of Nigeria’s 1,978 entry points are unmanned, exposing the country to illegal arms, human, and drug trafficking.
The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the security of Nigeria’s borders, highlighting that 1,894 of the country’s 1,978 entry points remain unmanned, leaving them vulnerable to illegal activities.
According to a THE GUARDIAN, only 84 entry points are officially manned by security operatives. Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, Isa Anka, expressed alarm at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
“Nigeria is a vast country that covers 923,768 square kilometres with approximately 36,450 kilometres of land and sea borders. In recent years, we have witnessed an escalation in illegal cross-border activities that threaten our national security, such as illegal arms smuggling, human trafficking and drug smuggling,” Anka said.
He attributed porous borders to inadequate resources, difficult terrains like forests, rivers, mountains, and deserts, and negative behavioural attitudes among some border personnel. “This is a disturbing statistic and shows a gap in our defences,” he added, noting that government spending exceeding nine trillion naira has yet to yield corresponding security improvements.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen urged members to strengthen border security architecture, calling for synergy, transparency, and active community participation. “Together, let us build stronger borders, enhance our national security, and secure the future of our great nation,” he said.
Anka assured that the committee would develop strategies and recommendations to reduce illegal cross-border activities and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.