The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for the fencing of Nigeria’s borders as a critical step toward addressing the country’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, June 19, Gen. Musa warned that Nigeria’s porous borders are being exploited by terrorists and criminal groups, who smuggle in weapons, fighters, and even use sophisticated surveillance tools such as drones.

“After analyzing the security situation across the Sahel, it’s clear that Nigeria is a major target for terrorists and bandits. They perceive us as a wealthy country with weak enforcement at our borders,” he said.

“To secure the nation, we must fence our borders. Some may say it's expensive, but what is money if lives are being lost?”

Gen. Musa suggested that fencing should begin in high-risk areas—particularly along the Niger-Nigeria border—using locally sourced materials such as steel from Ajaokuta. He also advocated for integrated surveillance systems, including wire mesh barriers and drone technology, to bolster border security and create local jobs.

His remarks come in the wake of a deadly attack in Benue State’s Yelwata community, where over 150 people were reportedly killed. The Defence Chief confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with the massacre, and investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the police and Department of State Services (DSS).

“The police have arrested a number of suspects, and investigations are underway. As law-abiding officials, we must ensure we have the right evidence and processes in place,” he explained.

Gen. Musa also stressed the need for public accountability, noting that the failure to prosecute previous offenders has emboldened new criminals.

“A criminal is a criminal. Anyone who commits a crime should be prosecuted. That hasn’t always happened, and it’s a major issue.”

He further described the crisis in Benue as a complex blend of political manipulation, terrorism, land grabbing, and retaliatory killings not merely a farmer-herder conflict.

“True peace will only come when political, religious, and community leaders allow for law enforcement, promote reconciliation, and commit to joint security efforts,” he added.

On the evolving nature of terrorism, Gen. Musa revealed that insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have started deploying foreign-trained operatives and drone technology, which is forcing the military to constantly adapt its strategy.

“We’ve neutralized nearly 80 Boko Haram commanders, but the problem persists because the borders are wide open. There's a free flow of weapons from conflict zones like Sudan, Libya, and Mali, and extreme poverty and illiteracy continue to fuel recruitment,” he said.

“We’ve seen insurgents using drones and other advanced tools. But after recent setbacks about five weeks ago, we've re-strategized. As of now, they are on the run, and we’ve taken out many operatives.”