Regional Joint Task Force Tightens Grip on Border Infiltration — Defence Minister

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

Nigeria is ramping up its counterterrorism fight by expanding regional military alliances and investing heavily in local defense technology, according to Defense Minister Gen. Christopher Musa.

In an interview on Friday on Arise TV monitored by Persecondnews, Musa highlighted that the country is increasingly leveraging coordinated multinational security frameworks.

This strategy aims to choke off cross-border infiltration and sharpen the military’s effectiveness against armed groups.

He said the multinational joint task force has played a key role in tightening border security and disrupting the movement of terrorist elements across West African frontiers.

“Through the multinational joint task force, we have been able to significantly disrupt and block penetration routes used by terrorist elements across our borders,” he said

Musa explained that the arrangement has improved intelligence sharing, strengthened surveillance, and enhanced cooperation among neighbouring countries facing similar security threats.

“The sustained joint operations have made it increasingly difficult for armed groups to move freely, regroup, or establish safe havens across border communities.”

The Defence Minister also revealed that Nigeria is deepening partnerships with several countries to boost its defence production capacity, particularly in drone technology and other modern military equipment.

According to him, the Federal Government is working with countries including Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, and China to strengthen local capability through technology transfer and production support.

“We have also partnered with several countries to produce drones and enhance our operational capability. Our youths are already being engaged in the production process because we want Nigeria to develop the ability to support its own defence needs,”he noted.

He said the initiative is aimed at building indigenous capacity, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, and improving the speed and efficiency of military response in ongoing security operations.

Musa maintained that the combined approach of regional cooperation and domestic defence production forms a key part of Nigeria’s evolving strategy to address insecurity across multiple fronts.