Defence Minister to States: Deals With Bandits Undermine Security Efforts, Border Wall Planned to Stem Infiltration
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has disclosed that some state governments’ compromises with bandits are undermining national security efforts, warning that such actions are hampering the work of the Armed Forces and other security agagencies.
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General Musa made the remarks during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where he spoke candidly about the country’s ongoing security challenges and the measures being adopted to address them.
According to the Defence Minister, negotiations and informal arrangements between some state actors and criminal groups have complicated coordinated military operations, allowing bandits to regroup, rearm, and expand their activities. He stressed that while dialogue may appear attractive in the short term, it often weakens long-term security objectives and emboldens criminal networks.
In a major policy revelation, General Musa also announced plans by the Federal Government to construct physical barriers along some of Nigeria’s porous borders. He explained that the proposed border wall is aimed at curbing the influx of armed groups, illegal weapons, and foreign fighters who exploit weak border controls to destabilise communities.
“The security challenges we face are not only internal,” the minister said, noting that Nigeria’s vast and poorly monitored borders have made it easier for bandits and other criminal elements to move across countries with little resistance.
During the interview, General Musa outlined key factors responsible for the persistence of insecurity in the country, including porous borders, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, lack of unified action among stakeholders, and socio-economic pressures that fuel criminal recruitment.
He added that the Federal Government’s new strategy focuses on a combination of stronger border management, improved intelligence sharing, better coordination between federal and state authorities, enhanced troop welfare, and sustained military pressure on criminal groups.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide, stressing that security is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation at all levels.
General Musa expressed optimism that with consistency, national unity, and firm political will, Nigeria will overcome its security challenges and reclaim territories affected by banditry and violent crime.
Defence Minister to States: Deals With Bandits Undermine Security Efforts, Border Wall Planned to Stem Infiltration