Reps raise alarm over 1,894 unmanned Nigerian borders

The House of Representatives has expressed grave concern over Nigeria’s porous borders, revealing that 1,894 of the country’s 1,978 official entry points are unmanned, leaving the nation vulnerable to insecurity and cross-border crimes.

Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, Hon. Isa Anka, raised the alarm on Tuesday during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, warning that the situation has worsened illegal arms smuggling, human trafficking, and drug movement across Nigeria’s frontiers.

Citing a recent ResearchGate report, Anka said only 84 entry points are manned across Nigeria’s 36,450-kilometre land and maritime borders—an alarming figure given the country’s vast size and complex security challenges.

“Nigeria spans over 923,000 square kilometres and shares borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon,” he said.

“Illegal cross-border activities threaten our sovereignty and national security.”

He identified poor funding, inadequate surveillance technology, shortage of personnel, and difficult terrains as key obstacles to effective border management.

Despite the federal government’s expenditure of over ₦9 trillion on security in recent years, Anka lamented that the impact has not translated into safer borders.

“Securing our borders is essential to protecting lives, ensuring territorial integrity, and safeguarding the economy,” he added.

Anka said the committee would develop concrete policy recommendations to strengthen border management and curb cross-border crimes.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described Nigeria’s porous borders as both “an economic and existential threat,” calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.

“This inaugural session is a solemn call to national duty,” Abbas said.

“We must build stronger borders, enhance national security, and protect the future of our nation.”