The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over Nigeria?s border security, revealing that 1,894 out of the country?s 1,978 official entry points remain unmanned, leaving the nation exposed to criminal activities.

Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, Hon. Isa Anka, sounded the alarm on Tuesday during the committee?s inauguration in Abuja. He warned that porous borders have heightened risks of illegal arms proliferation, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

Citing a recent ResearchGate report, Anka said only 84 entry points are officially manned across Nigeria?s estimated 36,450 kilometres of land and maritime borders, describing the figure as ?disturbingly low? for a country of Nigeria?s size and security challenges.

?Nigeria spans 923,768 square kilometres and shares borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon,? he noted. ?Illegal cross-border activities such as arms smuggling and human trafficking threaten our national security.?

He Identified inadequate funding, outdated surveillance equipment, personnel shortages, and difficult terrains?including forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains?as major challenges to border control.

Despite the federal government spending over N9 trillion on security in recent years, Anka said the expected improvements have not been achieved. ?Securing our borders is not just about preventing crime; it is about safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the lives of every Nigerian.?

Anka assured that the committee would develop practical strategies and policy recommendations to strengthen border security and curb illegal activities.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described Nigeria?s porous borders as ?an economic and existential threat,? urging a unified operational approach, intelligence sharing, and community involvement to enhance security.

?This inaugural session is a solemn call to national duty,? he said. ?Together, let us build stronger borders, enhance national security, and secure the future of our great nation.? (Vanguard)

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