Border Crisis Deepens: Only 84 of Nigeria’s 1,978 entry points manned

The House of Representatives has raised serious concern about Nigeria’s weak border security. Lawmakers revealed that out of the country’s 1,978 official entry points, 1,894 are not guarded, leaving the nation open to crimes such as arms smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade.

The Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, Isa Anka, disclosed this during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja. He said the situation has made Nigeria highly vulnerable to cross-border crimes.

Citing a recent report from Research Gate, Anka explained that only 84 entry points are manned by security personnel across Nigeria’s 36,450 kilometres of land and sea borders. He described the figure as “worryingly low” for a large country facing major security problems.

“Nigeria is a vast country covering 923,768 square kilometres, sharing borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. In recent years, illegal cross-border activities like arms and drug smuggling and human trafficking have increased, threatening our national security,” Anka said.

He listed reasons for the poor border control, including low funding, old surveillance equipment, shortage of security personnel, and difficult terrain such as forests, rivers, and deserts.

Anka added that even though the Federal Government had spent over ₦9 trillion on security in recent years, the results have not improved.

“This statistic exposes a major weakness in our national defence. Securing our borders is not just about stopping crime—it’s about protecting our sovereignty and the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

He promised that the committee would create practical plans and policy recommendations to strengthen border control and reduce illegal activities.

The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, described Nigeria’s porous borders as both “an economic and existential threat.” He urged the committee to promote cooperation, transparency, and patriotism among security agencies.

“This session is not just a formality—it is a call to national service. Together, let us build stronger borders, improve national security, and secure the future of our nation,” Abbas said.