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• Porous borders fueling terrorism, other crimes –NSA
• Akpabio seeks stronger border security through technology, regional ties
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja and Jude Onwuaman, Jos
Insecurity in the country took a fresh twist on Monday night as daredevil gunmen invaded Nigeria’s elite think-tank institution, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m and shot sporadically, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire with security personnel attached to the institution.
The encounter left two soldiers and one police officer dead.
A resident of Kuru, Bulus Haruna, told newsmen that the staccato busts of gunshots threw the entire residents of Kuru, Vom, the host community of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI ) and surrounding communities into panic.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the attack, said police has launched investigation into the incident.
Reacting to the incident, Head, Public Affairs Department of National Institute, Dr. Osime Samuel, in a statement, said the incident was quickly brought under control by conscious security operatives attached to the institute
“Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event.
“The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.
“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies.
“The Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of all members of the Institute community and appreciates the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response.”
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has identified porous borders as a major factor fueling terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria as Akpabio called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to fortify Nigeria’s borders against rising security threats.
The duo spoke at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), in collaboration with ONSA and NDCon in Abuja yesterday
The NSA who was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at ONSA, Amb. Yazid Gbemudu, at the seminar with the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability” said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability remained closely linked to the effectiveness of its border security architecture.
According to him, while Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders provide opportunities for trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, they also expose the country to a range of transnational security threats.
“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.
“These challenges underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to border management.
“Weak border governance creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal and terrorist networks, thereby undermining national security and development efforts.”
Ribadu said the National Border Management Strategy remained a major pillar of Nigeria’s contemporary border security framework, promoting an integrated border management approach.
He said the strategy was designed to enhance intelligence collaboration, strengthen border infrastructure, improve surveillance capabilities and modernise border management processes.
According to him, the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points has improved data collection, traveler screening and migration monitoring.
The NSA called for the full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
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He said effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures were essential for addressing contemporary security threats.
Ribadu also advocated increased investment in technology-driven border security solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance technologies and data-driven security frameworks.
He stressed the need for stronger regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria’s borders were transnational in nature and required coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.
According to him, strengthening border communities through sustainable development, improved infrastructure and economic opportunities is equally important in reducing vulnerability to criminal exploitation and promoting stability.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security experts, policymakers, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture and enhancing national stability.
Represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan, Akpabio said effective border management was central to national security and stability.
According to him, Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime boundaries present significant challenges relating to illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
“As a country with extensive land and maritime boundaries, Nigeria faces significant challenges relating to border control, illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
“It is therefore imperative that Nigeria prioritises the strengthening of its border security architecture through improved surveillance, enhanced infrastructure, better inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and stronger regional cooperation.”
He noted that many of the security threats confronting Nigeria had transnational dimensions, making coordinated responses essential.
He said that porous and poorly managed borders could become vulnerabilities that undermine national security efforts and national stability.
Akpabio reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies through appropriate legislation, oversight and adequate funding.
According to him, there can be no meaningful development without peace and security.
He commended AANDEC for choosing the theme of the seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” describing it as timely and relevant to the country’s security realities.
The Senate President called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity, stressing that government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and academia all had critical roles to play.
He also urged participants at the seminar to engage actively and generate practical recommendations that would support national policy and strengthen Nigeria’s border management framework.
Akpabio expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully to advancing the nation’s security objectives and enhancing border governance.
Earlier, the Acting President of AANDEC, retired Commodore Amatare Kpou (retd), said the seminar had become a regular feature in the association’s annual calendar and a key component of the National Defence College course curriculum.
He said the seminar was organised in line with AANDEC’s mandate to promote informed discourse on national security challenges and opportunities through conferences, seminars, workshops and publications.
He described the theme, ”Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” as timely and significant, noting that border security remained a critical component of national security in the face of evolving transnational threats, irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
According to him, the seminar will examine the current state of border security in Nigeria, emerging challenges, policy options and modern approaches to border management.
He added that the forum had assembled resource persons from the military, security agencies, diplomatic community, academia and relevant government institutions to provide diverse perspectives on the subject.
Kpou expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce valuable recommendations for policymakers and contribute to the nation’s quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria.
