Porous Borders Fueling Terrorism, Arms Trafficking, NSA Warns

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned that Nigeria’s porous borders are fueling terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes, posing a growing threat to national security and stability.

Ribadu spoke Tuesday at the 15th National Security Seminar in Abuja, 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.

He was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at ONSA, Ambassador Yazid Gbemudu.

According to the NSA, Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders offer significant opportunities for trade and regional integration but have also become vulnerable routes for criminal and terrorist networks.

“These borders facilitate trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, but they also expose the country to threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime,” he said.

Ribadu said weak border governance continues to create security gaps that undermine development efforts and national stability.

He called for the full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

“Effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures are essential for addressing contemporary security threats,” he said.

The NSA also advocated greater investment in technology-driven border security measures, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance tools and data-based monitoring frameworks.

He stressed the need for stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries, noting that many border-related security threats transcend national boundaries and require coordinated responses.

Ribadu added that developing border communities through improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and social services would help reduce their vulnerability to criminal exploitation.

The seminar brought together senior military officers, security experts, diplomats, academics and policymakers to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhancing national stability.