Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has proposed a strategic solution to the nation’s vulnerable borders – constructing a fortified double-layer wall, particularly in the Sahel region.
This recommendation comes amidst growing concerns over national security, as the country’s porous borders continue to pose a significant risk, Persecondnews reports.
Gen. Musa highlighted the alarming influx of weapons and militants from conflict-ridden countries such as Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic.
He emphasized that this uncontrolled cross-border movement has severely worsened insecurity throughout the Sahel region, underscoring the urgent need for robust border protection.
“I wish to suggest to the Nigerian government to study Pakistan’s approach to border security, highlighting its construction of a fortified double-layer wall along its border with Afghanistan as a possible model,” the army general said.
Speaking at a high-level media briefing on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Gen. Musa addressed critical security concerns, including the recent killings in Benue State.
He accused certain individuals within Benue State of complicity in the deadly attack on the Yelwata community, which claimed dozens of lives.
He also alleged these individuals provided the armed assailants with
shelter, food, and even women.
Musa said local informants aided the attackers by revealing the precise location of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yelwata, contributing significantly to the high death toll.
He explained that troops had received prior intelligence about impending attacks in several Benue communities and had deployed assets accordingly.
However, this information proved to be a diversion, as the actual assault on Yelwata was executed swiftly using a hit-and-run strategy.
“These criminals were accommodated by people in the community. They were given food, they were even given women, and guided on where the IDP camp was located. Yet, security forces received no tip-off,” Musa said.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu has now ordered the full mobilization of Nigeria’s security forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies, to apprehend those behind the killings and ensure justice is served.
“This is why we constantly appeal to communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Security is a collective duty,” the CDS added.
The CDS expressed condolences to the victims and families of the Yelwata massacre and other conflict-affected communities, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring peace.
“These killings are heartbreaking. We are fully committed to tracking down those responsible and bringing lasting peace to all corners of Nigeria,” he said.
Musa stressed the need for a “Whole-of-Society” strategy that fosters cooperation between the military, civil institutions, and citizens.
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