Sema Fonkem 04/06/2025

General Christopher Musa calls for the fencing of Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, Benin, Niger Republic and Chad.

While speaking at a security conference in Abuja, Capital of Nigeria yesterday, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Staff of Nigeria’s Defence said that to tackle insecurity challenges, government should consider increasing control around borders where there is an escalation in armed conflicts. He believes that protecting Nigeria’s economy, survival of citizens and national sovereignty should be made a priority and given immediate attention.

“It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders,” said General Musa.

Since 2016, Nigeria’s northeast border with Cameroon (the longest with 1975km) has seen the rise of Boko Haram activities registering thousands of security forces and civilian casualties. Nigeria also shares a 1500km with Niger Republic, 820km with Benin and 85km with Chad. A vast portion of these borders have been occupied by militant groups conducting illicit activities.

General Musa’s suggestion to curb insecurity along these borders will be beneficial to neighbouring countries who face problems of influx of drugs and counterfeit goods from Nigeria. Terrorists from other countries will not be able to gain easy into Nigeria and to an extend these countries will also take advantage of the border gates to check traders and visitors from Nigeria.

“It is a good idea at this particular time, but I think the General should have reached out to our countries as we share a border with Nigeria and make sure it is a collective effort between us to raise the fences since it will do good for everyone” said a Cameroonian customer officer, Agbor Arrey Agbor while speaking to Critique Africa.

Combating terrorism remains a critical border management issue for Cameroon, Niger Republic, Benin, Nigeria and Chad.