By; YUSUF SOLOMON DANBAKI Nigeria's military has been strained by widespread security issues, particularly a 16-year insurgency in t
By; YUSUF SOLOMON DANBAKI
Nigeria’s military has been strained by widespread security issues, particularly a 16-year insurgency in the North East.
In the relentless battle against Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, one military leader is breaking the mold: Nigeria’s defence chief on Tuesday in a security conference in Abuja, called for the country’s borders with its four neighbours to be completely fenced to curb the entrance of armed groups amid escalating insecurity.
While conventional wisdom suggests that more guns and troops are the answer, Gen. Musa is revolutionizing national security without bullets alone. He is championing a bold, long-term, and cost-effective solution: fencing Nigeria’s porous borders.
This isn’t just about building walls; it’s about building national security from the ground up.
The Musa Doctrine of prevention over reaction shows he understands what many fail to realize: you cannot shoot your way out of every security threat. While kinetic operations (military force) are necessary, sustainable security requires smart, preventive measures.
His push for comprehensive border fencing is a masterstroke because it blocks terrorists and bandits from freely crossing in and out of Nigeria. Secondly, it cuts off the illegal arms supply fueling violence nationwide.
Thirdly, it reduces the need for endless (and expensive) military operations. It also follows a proven global model used by nations like India, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership Nigeria needs. Critics may call fencing “old-fashioned,” but history and modern security strategies prove them wrong. In pre-colonial Nigeria, cities like Kano and Benin had massive walls to keep invaders out.
India’s Bangladesh border fence reduced illegal crossings by over 80%. Saudi Arabia’s Yemen border wall slashed terrorist infiltrations dramatically. Hungary’s Serbia/Croatia fence stopped a migration crisis in its tracks. If walls didn’t work, these nations wouldn’t keep building them.
Some say fencing is too expensive. But let’s break it down. Nigeria loses trillions yearly to banditry, kidnappings, and economic disruptions. Military operations cost billions annually, yet threats persist. A one-time fencing investment pays off for decades, unlike recurring war expenses.
Think about it: every Nigerian builds a fence around their home, no matter the cost. If we secure our individual houses, why not our nation?
Beyond the Fence: Technology + Strategy = Total Security. I believe that Gen. Musa isn’t proposing a mere wall; he’s advocating a modern, tech-backed barrier that includes surveillance drones and motion sensors, AI-powered CCTV monitoring, and controlled entry points for proper screening. This isn’t isolation; it’s intelligent security.
Gen. Musa’s border fencing plan is more than a physical barrier; it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to lasting peace. By securing our borders, we weaken terrorists and bandits who rely on cross-border movement. We boost the economy by curbing smuggling and illegal trade. We free up military resources for other critical operations. This is how you win a war, not just battles.
General Christopher Musa has presented a rare blend of military expertise and innovative thinking. His border fencing strategy is not just about stopping today’s threats; it’s about preventing tomorrow’s crises.
The choice is clear: continue spending billions on endless firefights, or invest once in a solution that protects Nigeria for generations. The time for action is now. Let’s secure Nigeria the smart way.
Eld. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki writes from Kaduna
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