The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has advocated fencing of Nigeria’s borders with its neighbouring countries to tame the movement of armed criminals.
He said Nigeria was being surrounded by four Francophone countries in the Sahel, warning that Nigeria will fall if the Sahel falls with the present border arrangements.
General Musa made this known while giving his keynote address at the inaugural media programme of the 2025 VON Forum.
He however assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not fail Nigerians and Nigeria wouldn‘t fail as a nation despite challenges.
“Border management is very critical. We have had nations that because of the level of insecurity in their country had to fence their borders. If we mention this in Nigeria, people will say this is impossible.
“Pakistan fenced 1,350 kilometres border with Afghanistan, that was the only time they had peace. Saudi Arabia and Iraq, 1,400 km border fenced completely.
Can we start thinking of fencing our border, we have 1,500 with Niger Republic; 1,900 km with Cameroun, Chad is there, all over us we are surrounded by francophone countries. The Sahel is heating up; if the Sahel falls, it is Nigeria that they are interested in,“he said.
He reiterated the urgent need for national unity and citizen collaboration to overcome Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that the country remains resilient despite threats and negative narratives.
He noted that good governance was critical for dividends of democracy and local government autonomy.
The Defence Chief also called on the government to expedite actions to conduct census in order to have a comprehensive data of its citizens.
“Do we have a comprehensive database as Nigerians? We need a census that will capture every Nigerian in the world, not only in Nigeria.
If you go abroad and commit a crime, you will be caught because there is a database to fall back on.
He said, “No one will come from outside to liberate Nigeria. If the military fails, the nation fails, but Nigeria will not fail.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral and natural resources, but unless we work together as a people, we will not realise the full potential of this great nation.”
He stressed the critical role of the media in combating misinformation and disinformation, warning that the spread of falsehoods undermines national cohesion.
“We live in a time where people celebrate failure. Some don’t understand that when the economy collapses, everyone is affected; they have failed too.”
General Musa highlighted the enduring unity of the armed forces, describing it as a family whose loyalty transcends life.
He appealed to Nigerians to support the military.
“Don’t allow our enemies to divide us. When we stand united, we defeat those who want to see this country fall,” he stated.
Acknowledging the ongoing security volatility, he said victory is possible through public cooperation.
“It is the silence of citizens that enables terrorists to thrive. Ask yourself, who is feeding them? Who supplies their ammunition? Do you want to become a refugee in your own country?
“This forum is timely, as it allows citizens to hear directly from their leaders and to counter the flood of misinformation. Some wish to see Nigeria disintegrate; we must never allow that.”
He urged Nigerians to support the military, especially those who have suffered permanent injuries or paid the ultimate price defending the nation.
“Our soldiers are heroes. Many have lost limbs, lives, and loved ones. They have sacrificed so we can enjoy the democracy we have today. We must never forget them.
“When a soldier dies and you rejoice, when your nation’s security collapses, you no longer have a home.”
He reminded Nigerians that while the military recruits ordinary citizens, not angels, there are systems in place to refine and discipline them. “Yes, they come with baggage, but we have mechanisms to fish out bad elements.”
As he reflected on Nigeria’s present reality, he asked, “How did we get here? And how did the world let us get here? We must accept responsibility.”
General Musa concluded with a passionate call for patriotism, unity and self-determination.
“No country is without security challenges, but other nations are protecting their borders, their people, and their integrity. We must do the same. Let us tell our own stories; no one else should define us. Together, we shall build a united Nigeria that works.”
