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Reps Launch Border Security Drive as Speaker Abbas Warns of “Economic and Existential Threat”
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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has kicked off a major push to tighten Nigeria’s porous borders with the inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security.
Declaring the committee open, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Iisa Ali JC, said the move was part of the House’s determination to strengthen national security and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives, property and territorial integrity.
He warned that Nigeria’s weak border control system had become “both an economic and existential threat”, undermining citizens’ faith in state institutions.
Abbas reminded the committee that the National Assembly had a constitutional duty to ensure that all agencies responsible for border management “do their jobs properly.”
The newly inaugurated committee has been tasked with developing strategies and recommendations to help stamp out security threats or reduce them to the barest minimum across the country’s vast borders.
Describing the initiative as part of the Agenda of the House, the Speaker said the committee’s work demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to “a People’s House — one that is responsive to the fears and aspirations of Nigerians.”
He therefore charged members to approach the assignment with diligence and patriotism, stressing that border security remained key to Nigeria’s safety, economy and national sovereignty.
He said: “Today, we inaugurate this committee with a clear and urgent mandate, to examine and strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture in the interest of national safety and sovereignty.
“Since the security and welfare of Nigerians is at the heart of our legislative agenda, we are resolved to ensure that Nigerians, whatever their ethnicity or religion can afford to live peacefully wherever they choose.
“This committee is therefore part of our efforts to provide concrete solutions to the violent attacks by fringe members of the society that have led to the misrepresentation of our country, and the distortion of the narrative of violence, which is fueled by greed, corruption and sheer avarice, rather than by any religious agenda”.
The Speaker who stated that the task of securing the borders is a multi-dimensional and multi-agency responsibility, urged all relevant agencies to foster greater co-operation, eliminate duplication of roles, and develop unified operational frameworks.
“It demands synergy, transparency, and patriotism from all institutions of government involved. Border security cannot be achieved in isolation, it requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach — one that harmonises the efforts of the military, paramilitary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies; promotes intelligence sharing; and ensures that communities at the borders are active partners in safeguarding our nation.
“Similarly, the welfare and training of personnel deployed at border posts must be prioritized, as no agency can perform optimally without motivated officers.
“The House of Representatives remains unwavering in its commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s border governance through effective legislation, rigorous oversight, and adequate budgetary support. We are determined to ensure that all appropriated funds meant for border security are judiciously utilised and that the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency are upheld.
“The findings and recommendations of this Committee will guide the House in initiating legislative reforms and policy interventions to modernize border security frameworks. This may include reviewing existing laws such as the Immigration Act, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and related statutes to reflect emerging global best practices and security realities”, he added.
Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Rep. Isa Mohammed Anka, described the inauguration as a clear demonstration of the House’s shared resolve to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguard the nation’s prosperity.
He expressed concern that, despite the over ₦9 trillion spent by the government on security in recent years, the country is still far from achieving meaningful progress in addressing its security challenges.
“It is deeply troubling that with such huge investments, our security landscape has not recorded commensurate improvement.
“In recent years, we have witnessed an escalation in illegal cross-border activities that threaten our national security such as illegal arms smuggling, human trafficking and drug smuggling etc. It is noteworthy, that our borders are porous, with many unofficial routes for smuggling goods.
“We also need to ask ourselves some of the contributing factors leading to poor border security which includes:
i. Inadequate Resources: Border security agencies suffer from inadequate funding, poor logistics, ineffective and outdated surveillance equipment and shortage of personnel.
ii. Difficult Terrain: A lot of our borders are located in difficult terrains like thick forests, distant rivers, mountains and deserts, making them tough to police effectively.
iii. Numerous Illega Entry Points: A recent report from Research Gate highlighted that out of Nigeria’s 1,978 entry points only 84 are officially manned by security operatives, leaving 1,894 illegal routes. This is a disturbing statistic and shows a gap in our defences.
iv.Negative Human elements: Negative behavioural attitudes of some of our border security officials are also a major setback that hinders their effectiveness in policing and controlling borders.
“While the Nigeria Immigration Service serves as the agency responsible for border security as it relates to human movements, the Nigerian Customs controls the border security as it relates movement of goods and services. The efforts of these agencies are being complimented by some others including, but not limited to, the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Police Force, Nigerian Army etc”, Rep. Anka said.
The Chairman said the committee was committed to producing strong, actionable resolutions aimed at securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensuring the safety of every citizen.
“The challenges are immense, but so is our resolve. By combining strategic action with a commitment to regional and community-level partnerships, we can and will reclaim control of our borders and build a more secure future for all,” he stated.
Representing the Minister of Interior, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, explained that the ministry’s agencies play a crucial role in maintaining internal security by carrying out border operations designed to curb illegal migration into the country.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, appealed for better welfare and support for officers stationed at border posts, noting that their morale and wellbeing were essential to effective border control.
In his remarks, Major General Aliyu Idris, who represented the Nigerian Army, reaffirmed the military’s readiness to support efforts towards achieving full and effective coverage of the nation’s borders.
Other stakeholders at the session pledged to work collaboratively to strengthen Nigeria’s borders and restated their collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s unity and security.
President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration was building road infrastructure to lay the needed physical foundation for a knowledge-driven economy, stressing that education, justice, and innovation need roads to thrive.
Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, while flagging off the construction of Collector Road CO1 in the Institutional Research District, from Nile University to Ring Road III.
Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, the President said that the project included dualisation of the road from Baze University roundabout to Nile University, that is the Base University.
He noted that three years into his administration, the results were speaking out.
“From the Southern Parkway to the Institution and Research District, we are laying the physical foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.
“Today, we provide those roads that are needed to provide justice, education, and innovation to our people.
“To the university community, this road is more than a route. It is a connection between learning, law, and the future of our capital,” he said.
He pointed out that the Institution and Research District was designed to be the intellectual heart of Abuja, adding that universities, law chambers, research centers, and innovation hubs were growing in the area.
He, however, stressed that ideas could not move if roads do not move and connect the heart and people together.
Tinubu further said: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we made a choice to finish what was started and to start what we must finish.
“The first phase of this corridor connecting the Body of Benchers, Nile, and Base University is done and ready for commissioning. Today, we begin the next phase to Ring Road III to complete the loop.
“That is how we build a city—with a plan. Not a city of abandoned pieces. Infrastructure must be continuous, and it must also be useful to the people within the environment”.
He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for turning FCT into a delivery agency, stressing that the transformation of Abuja under the minister’s watch is bold, visible and worthy of commendation.
He said, “Wike, your energy is unmatched. You took over a capital with many stalled projects and turned the FCTA into a delivery agency. ‘Mr. Projects’ is not a slogan, it is a record. You have revived sleeping roads, built new interchanges, and brought development to satellite towns. You have domesticated the Renewed Hope Agenda; street by street, district by district. The transformation of Abuja under your watch is bold, visible, and worthy of commendation. Well done, Minister Wike.”
In his remarks, Wike explained that the project was considered following a plea by the Body of Benchers to provide access roads to ease the movement of people in and out of the area.
He assured FCT residents that the Tinubu administration would fulfill all the promises made to the people of FCT, adding that the project would be completed by January 2027.
The minister said that he would continue to deliver life-impacting projects to FCT residents as directed by Tinubu, stressing that the delivery would not be affected by 2027 political activities.
Earlier, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Dauda, said that the Institutional Research District of the FCT is located in Phase III of the city.
Dauda said that the area was planned to accommodate educational institutions like universities, research institutions, and other government institutions as provided in the Abuja master plan.
He added that the district was being developed in stages, with this project being a major intervention in the opening of this district.
He explained that the scope of the current stage involved the construction of Collector Road CO1, from the Nile University to Ring Road III with a total length of about six kilometres.
He added that the project also included the dualisation of the section from the Base University Junction to Nile University.
Tragedy struck in northern Nigeria following reports that two abducted victims, including a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have died while in captivity.
The deceased, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, who previously served as APC chairman in the local government area, was reportedly held hostage by armed kidnappers for an extended period before his death. Another victim who was abducted alongside him was also confirmed dead, although his identity had not been officially disclosed at the time of filing this report.
The sad development comes months after disturbing videos emerged online showing the victims in dire conditions while being held captive in the notorious Birnin Gwari forest.
The footage sparked widespread concern among family members, political associates and members of the public who called for urgent intervention to secure their release.
Despite efforts made during their captivity, both men were reportedly never reunited with their families before their deaths.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges facing communities across northern Nigeria.
The Birnin Gwari axis, located along the Kaduna-Niger corridor, has become one of the country’s most dangerous regions, with criminal gangs and armed bandits frequently carrying out kidnappings, attacks on villages and other violent crimes.
Residents and stakeholders have repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify operations in the area and dismantle criminal hideouts within the vast forest, which has long served as a sanctuary for armed groups.
News of the deaths has generated an outpouring of grief on social media, with many Nigerians expressing sadness over the fate of the victims and urging authorities to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and banditry.
Popular social media personality Denglishalhajii also shared the development on Instagram, mourning the victims and drawing attention to the growing insecurity affecting many parts of the region.
The deaths of the former APC chairman and his fellow captive have further underscored the human cost of the country’s security crisis, leaving families, friends and political associates in mourning while raising renewed concerns about the safety of citizens in vulnerable communities.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and read on the floor of the senate on Tuesday by Godswill Akpabio.
In the correspondence, Tinubu said the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police services.
The president said the bill is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by introducing a dual policing structure that would allow both federal and state policing systems to operate within a constitutional framework.
According to him, the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the national assembly and contains additional safeguards to ensure effective implementation.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges, will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The president described the proposed legislation as a key component of his administration’s broader plan to reform Nigeria’s security system and improve the protection of lives and property.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I’m confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he added.
Read Also: Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Omoyele Sowore, Condemns Detention
Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the proposal expeditious consideration.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the senate committee on constitution review for further legislative action.
The committee was directed to report back to the chamber on the next legislative day.
Photos: We’re building infrastructure for a knowledge-driven economy – Tinubu
Just in: Kidnapped APC Chairman, Another Victim Die in Abductors hideout
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