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The recent upsurge in terrorists attacks around border communities in Nigeria has become a serious cause for concern to well meaning Nigerians, government’s attempts to downplay the gravity of the incidences that have claimed so many lives notwithstanding. It is a big shame that government, apparently bereft of any idea as to how to stem the tide, always tend to mask its helplessness with unspiring, nauseating and deceptive words of reassurance: “We are on top of the situation”
Sadly, 2026 started with bandits and terrorist attacks around the border areas thus giving credence to suggestions of porosity of our borders. According to records, Nigeria’s land borders span approximately 2,515 miles (4,047 km), connecting to Niger (north), Chad (northeast), Cameroon (east), and Benin (west).
I recall in 2020 as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service ( NIS) Muhamed Babandede made concerted efforts to control insecurity, cross border criminalities and trade exchange.
According to him, passenger movement across the air borders was 1,256,652, land borders recorded 109,854; seaport witnessed 213,161, while about 106 stowaways were intercepted during the period.
He had also disclosed that the service’s operatives were active in the 72 border patrol bases, six international airports, 11 sea/marine borders patrolling the nation’s 415 nautical miles (853 km), coastal areas and the Gulf of Guinea in the south.
Babandede had promised that NIS would continue to play a leading role in border management, migration management and control of human mobility through the deployment of human capital and technology, collaborations for safer migration through bilateral, multilateral cooperation, inter-agency collaborations and partnerships, training and retraining of its workforce to ensure a safe border and safe nation.
Painfully, immediately Babandede exited office all his dreams were thrown to the trash basket just as it happened to the dreams and visions of the former Inspector- General of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro who foresaw the present insecurity predicament facing Nigeria. As the IGP, Mr Okiro had set up a crack anti- terrorism squad and to equip the squad, he sent them abroad for training in combating terrorism. Unfortunately, after their training and before they could be deployed, Okiro retired and left office. The result?Nigeria became a breeding ground and haven for terrorists and terror attacks . With the special police squad suffering a stillbirth, Nigeria was exposed to torrents of terrorist attacks. When Okiro’s successor dismantled the anti- terrorist squad, he probably was not far sighted and never contemplated the octane insecurity we find ourselves in today. And there lies one of the problems of Nigeria: Discontinuity in policy management. Every new administration or new helmsman, rather than continuing with the viable policies and programmes of his predecessor, will wants something attached to his name, something attached to his time in office; something he will be remembered with after leaving office.It is high time public office holders who discontinued a well-thought out programs or policies that are in the overall interest of the country- are prosecuted and tagged as national saboteurs.
Had the programme and policies initiated by Babandede and former IGP Okiro been allowed to germinate and bear fruits, many security analysts believe, argue would acted as bulwarks against insecurity we are battling with today. Security stakeholders and expert equally believed Nigeria border would have been well secured by now and our current security challenges wouldn’t have happened in the first place if Bababandede’s laudable programmes and polices for the NIS were continued by his successor.
The unfortunate reopening of key border posts like Kamba and Tsamiya in Kebbi state including the borders with Niger and Benin Republics has further exacerbated the insecurity in the country. When Muhammed Yusuf, the father of Bokoharam, gathered youths of Maiduguri and was training them under the cover of religion, many did not foresee the heinous crime coming until the police under the Late CP Christopher Dega had a confrontation with the sects and many of them relocated to Niger and Chad Republics where they were further trained in act of terrorism.
Looking back, one can conveniently conclude that lack of visionary leaders and leadership in the past had cost Nigeria the unsolved problems confronting us today.
With a border length of (over 1,000 miles), with Cameroon, and (about 930 miles), with Niger Republic, Benin (about 480miles), and the shortest with Chad (54 miles), Nigeria is an easy target and safe haven for jihadist terrorists from Libya, Chad and Niger.They trooped into Nigeria with ease due to lack of effective monitoring by our security agencies. This explains why terrorists are now marauding the country masquerading as herdsmen and bandits, pouring into our forests and communities and causing havoc. The activities of these terrorists who easily find their way into forest space and communities, such as those along the Niger-Nigeria border which are deeply intertwined, with cities like Banki and Mfum acting as major crossing points has further heightened the concern of many Nigerians and security experts that Nigeria borders are porous.
It is therefore, expedient for President Bola Tinubu to invite and interact with very experienced and visionary security stakeholders like former IGPs Okiro who is an expert in operations and MD Abubakar who is an expert in intelligence as well as Babandede who kickstarted Nigerian border surveillance and patrol.Other retired top ranking military and intelligence officers who have deep experience in combating terrorism should also be invited for a closed door interactive meeting on how to permanently end this insecurity menace that had given the country a bad name.
After all, experience is the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities.
I believe that an effective way to seal up porous borders is to establish state police.
By so doing, state police commands would maintain adequate patrol of our foreign borders by ensuring the recruitment and training of policemen and other a security personnel for the overall security of the country.
Other News
Anambra security hints:
Security lesson from the sad incident involving a 21-year-old apprentice who allegedly used a pestle to smash his master, resulting in his death should be embraced by all. And the lessons are:
1.Early intervention matters
Warning signs such as drug abuse, theft, and repeated misconduct should never be ignored. Seeking timely intervention through counseling, rehabilitation, or community mediation can prevent situations from escalating into violence.
2. Employers must balance discipline with structured support
While correction is necessary, structured approaches, such as involving guardians, community leaders, or appropriate authorities when issues persist, may help reduce tensions and risks.
3.Substance abuse is a serious risk factor
Drug use can impaire judgment, increase aggression, and fuel criminal behavior. Addressing substance abuse early through professional help is critical.
4.Security and boundaries in domestic/work settings
Homes that double as workplaces should implement clear boundaries and safety measures, especially where domestic staff or apprentices reside on the premises.
5. Community and law enforcement collaboration
Parents and guardians are encouraged to work with the Police and other law enforcement agencies when addressing serious behavioral issues involving their wards or children.
Note that this unfortunate event underscores the need for vigilance, proactive conflict managemen t, and stronger social support systems within families, workplaces, and communities.
•SP Tochukwu Ikenga,
Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
