The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen border security across the country amid rising concerns over terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, and irregular migration.

The renewed focus follows a national security seminar in Abuja themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Defence College.

Security experts, senior military officials, intelligence representatives, and policymakers at the event warned that Nigeria’s porous borders continue to pose significant risks to national security and economic stability.

They noted that weak border control systems have enabled the movement of illegal arms, facilitated human trafficking networks, and supported smuggling operations across West and Central Africa.

Participants called for urgent reforms, including improved intelligence sharing among security agencies, stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries, increased investment in border infrastructure, and greater engagement with border communities.

They also urged the adoption of modern surveillance technologies such as drones, biometric systems, and artificial intelligence to enhance monitoring and detection of illegal cross-border activities.

The Federal Government has already signalled plans to modernise border management through a Smart Border System aimed at tracking and controlling an estimated 1,497 illegal border routes across the country.

Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, making regional cooperation a key component of any long-term security strategy.

Officials say ongoing reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen national security architecture and improve coordination among agencies responsible for immigration and border control. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.