Insecurity and Nigeria’s porous borders

Amidst lingering terrorism across the country, it is no longer news that the porosity of the Nigerian borders with other countries has been a major setback in fighting that scourge. The Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Lucky Irabor had cause lately to allude to that fact when he said the other day at a public lecture that the country’s porous borders have made it easily accessible to terrorists and bandits to commit mayhem. In the not too distant past, President Muhammadu Buhari had towed the same path when he lamented and sought divine intervention about one of the borders in the northern part of the country. He was quoted to have said, ‘Only God can effectively supervise the 1,400 kilometers border between Nigeria and Republic of Niger’.

While there can be no dispute that Nigeria’s borders are very wide, and to that extent, difficult to patrol effectively, government should be seen in vigorous pursuit of a solution to the problem; and not merely lamenting it. A government that merits the appellation has no choice but to find every means to fulfill its constitutional duty of ensuring the security and welfare of the citizens. Sadly for Nigeria, apart from the seeming all-motion-but-little-movement position of government, official policies, such as the visa on arrival; and President Muhammadu Buhari’s soft spot for Fulani invaders who have been causing much of the problem, have complicated matters for Nigerians. Clearly, there is need for a genuine change of attitude, coupled with sincerity of purpose on government’s part, to fully resolve terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and related vices afflicting the country.

The ineffective control and management of Nigeria’s borders have become a serious concern to citizens especially those living around border towns. In Kwara State for instance, children in some villages go to school in Benin Republic due to its proximity and porosity of the border. Over the years, government has been confronted with the problem of ensuring effective border security. The porous border situation has led to increase in criminality particularly transnational crimes like smuggling of illegal goods, illegal movements of persons, money laundering, theft, kidnapping and terrorism.

On this premise, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) the other day tackled the CDS for admitting that 137 unmanned borders in the North are being exploited by terrorists. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA advised the CDS to ‘brace up to the security challenges confronting the nation and proffer solutions to the unmanned borders used as access points by terrorists from Niger Republic and Chad to launch attacks in Nigeria, or resign if he cannot address the situation’.

No doubt, the issue of our borders porosity is something the government should not take with levity and in no way can it be a justification for government and its officials to continue in lamentation without addressing the issue squarely. Most countries in the world share their boundaries with one or two countries and there is need to protect their end of the border. The need to properly secure borders cannot be over-emphasised and Nigeria’s case cannot be different, irrespective of the fact that cross-border trading remains on the rise as citizens move from the country of their origin to search for greener pastures.

It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria’s borders, especially those in the north, are demarcated without considering adequate security.  The level of kidnapping and insecurity has increased in that region occasioned by the combination of several factors which explain why the region has become a window to worst cases of border-related crimes as well as encouraging terrorism.

In so far as much of Nigeria’s borders remain a potential threat due to its porosity, it is improper that government whose responsibility is to secure them as well as protect the lives and properties of the citizens should merely be consumed in grief over its obligation. Under the existing internationally recognised boundaries, Nigeria has about 261 in the North East and North West regions. Regrettably, out of this 261, only 124 are manned, leaving the remaining 137 unmanned by security agencies. Under such circumstances, Nigeria is a sitting duck for criminal invasion. Yet, government cannot rest on it oars. It must devise ways of checking the influx of criminals and terrorists from these borders; else, it would be failing in its sacred duty.

Therefore, government has a duty to protect its borders. It is not only disturbing but shameful to say that the country does not have boundaries in the north. The country’s borders must be properly protected because borders happened to be a strong component of the nation, and partly defines her territorial sovereignty and integrity. More so, the major part of government business is the security and welfare of its citizens; not to expose them to danger with porous borders. Notwithstanding that Nigeria is a prime body holding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and that the sub-regional organization has protocol that provides for free movement of people, Nigeria cannot abdicate her primary responsibility merely in observance of ECOWS protocol. No other country in the region or elsewhere permits unfettered influx of foreigners. Nigeria cannot be an exception. In fact, she is supposed to lead others in delivering good governance, including security of her citizens. There should be enough of lamentation over porous borders.