Benue massacre: CDS calls for border fencing to curb insecurity

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has advocated for the construction of border fences as a strategic measure to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and curb the influx of armed groups from conflict-ridden neighboring countries.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Gen. Musa said Nigeria must consider erecting border walls to prevent the free movement of terrorists, arms dealers, and bandits into the country, especially from troubled Sahel nations like Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic.

He argued that while some critics consider such a project too costly, the long-term cost of maintaining porous borders, evident in the ongoing violence in states like Benue—could be far greater.

“Those thinking that building a border fence would be too expensive should learn from countries like Pakistan, which built a double-layered wall to separate itself from Afghanistan. That wall is on terrain even more challenging and covers an area bigger than Nigeria,” he stated.

The Defence Chief emphasized that the threats facing Nigeria are multi-dimensional and require a “Whole-of-Society Approach,” which involves collaboration among the military, civil institutions, and citizens to effectively combat insecurity.

General Musa disclosed that the Armed Forces recently received intelligence on an impending attack in Benue, prompting the deployment of troops. However, the information turned out to be misleading, as the actual attack occurred in a different community.

“This is why we always urge communities to share timely and accurate intelligence with security forces,” he said. “In the last incident, the attackers were accommodated, fed, and even provided with women in the community, yet no warning was given to security agencies.”

He urged Nigerians to take ownership of national security by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, adding that proactive intelligence sharing could prevent further loss of lives and property.