BORDER FENCING PROPOSAL: GROUPS BACK CDS PLAN TO TACKLE INSECURITY
Civil society groups, media practitioners declare support for Nigeria’s border fencing proposal
Several civil society organizations and media practitioners across Northern Nigeria have declared support for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa’s proposal to fence Nigeria’s borders as part of a broader strategy to tackle rising insecurity.
In a joint press statement released on Saturday, the coalition expressed full backing for Gen. Musa’s initiative, which includes stronger border management and citizen collaboration with the military. The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Musa Mohammed, Chairman of the Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Groups; Comrade Femi Adi, Secretary of Northern Online Media Reporters and Publishers; and Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, Secretary of Arewa Media Practitioners.
The groups praised Gen. Musa’s proactive approach in seeking partnerships and public engagement to combat insecurity, describing his border fencing proposal as “timely and necessary.”
“As civil society groups, we fully support Gen. Musa’s initiatives. We recognize the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity and strengthening our national security infrastructure,” the statement read.
The proposed fencing, according to the CDS, would cover Nigeria’s borders with its four neighboring countries—Niger, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad—aimed at curbing the influx of armed groups and foreign fighters that have exacerbated insecurity, especially in the Northeast.
The groups also emphasized the challenges Nigeria’s military faces, particularly from the 16-year insurgency waged by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“Our security forces and civilians have suffered countless attacks. Tens of thousands have been killed or displaced. Nigeria’s military is overstretched and needs collective national support,” the statement continued.
They urged Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism by supporting the military and refraining from spreading misinformation that could undermine security efforts.
“There is a need for all Nigerians to be patriotic, support the Armed Forces, and actively participate in the fight against insecurity. Let’s rally behind the CDS proposal now.”
The coalition also appealed to the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Assembly to consider and endorse the CDS’s proposal as a matter of national priority.
Recall that Gen. Musa had earlier made the proposal public during a security conference held in Abuja, where he cited international examples such as Pakistan’s 1,350 km fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia’s 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as successful models of border security.
“Other countries have fenced their borders due to insecurity. Nigeria must do the same. Border management is critical,” Gen. Musa stated. “It is critical for our survival and sovereignty.”
Nigeria’s longest border, spanning 1,975 km, lies with Cameroon—one of the main regions affected by Boko Haram operations. The country also shares borders of 1,500 km with Niger Republic and 85 km with Chad—countries battling their own insurgencies in the Sahel.
The CDS warned that Nigeria’s relative wealth and strategic position make it a prime target for infiltration by foreign militant groups.
“Nigeria is the main target. That is why we need to take full control of our borders,” Gen. Musa asserted.
GNN24 News 