Defence Minister Seeks Enhance Border Security To Address Emerging Threats

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has called for a strengthened border surveillance and control mechanism for improved national security.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening border security, improving veterans’ welfare, and reviewing key defence policy frameworks to enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The Minister stated these when he received members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) during a courtesy visit to his office on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Enderline Chukwu, said: “It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” adding that improved border control would significantly curb transnational crimes and insecurity.

The Minister noted that Nigeria’s security environment remained dynamic and complex, requiring continuous review and upgrading of existing policies, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019).

“Life is dynamic and our security challenges are fluid. It is important that our Armed Forces and institutional frameworks adapt accordingly,” he added.

He stated that policy documents must evolve in response to emerging threats and changing global realities.

Gen. Musa also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of military veterans, emphasising that those who have served the nation deserve adequate post-service support, including healthcare and welfare benefits.

He informed that the Ministry would liaise with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners, to initiate structured engagements aimed at reviewing critical defence policies and other related documents requiring updates.

Speaking further, the Minister described border security as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security strategy, noting that the importance of strengthening surveillance and control mechanisms to ensure that authorities were fully aware of movements across Nigeria’s borders is paramount.

He assured stakeholders that the Ministry was reviewing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ welfare systems and explore best practices that will ensure dignity and improved living standards for retired personnel.

Earlier in his speech, the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (rtd), expressed profound appreciation to the Minister for the warm reception accorded them.

He noted that AANDEC possessed the capacity and professional expertise to collaborate effectively with the Ministry of Defence in the implementation of the National Defence Policy and assured that the Association remained committed to supporting the Ministry in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through research, advisory services and strategic engagements.

He further appealed for the Ministry’s support in enhancing AANDEC’s operational capacity, including assistance with mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, and the conduct of the forthcoming National Security Summit, as well as the development of the Association’s permanent facility.

Rear Admiral Agholor (rtd) further pledged AANDEC’s dedication to partnering with the Ministry in advancing national security objectives, stressing that stronger institutional collaboration would contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.