The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the National Assembly to enhance national security, particularly in border areas. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known during a visit by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, led by Honourable Mohammed Isa Anka.
The COAS disclosed that the military is actively conducting operations in border areas to address persistent cross-border threats, including transnational crimes, smuggling and infiltration of hostile elements. He emphasized that these efforts are being hindered by numerous illegal entry routes into the country, inadequate mobility assets and logistics support.
To address these challenges, General Shaibu called for joint efforts between the military, National Assembly and other security agencies to enhance national security. He assured the committee of the relentless commitment of the Nigerian Army to supporting government initiatives aimed at combating security threats. The COAS reaffirmed the importance of collaboration with security agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Nigerian Immigration Services, and Nigerian Customs.
The COAS appreciated the committee’s advocacy for improved funding and sought increased support from lawmakers for acquiring surveillance technologies and developing forward operating bases in border communities. This, he said, would enhance the intelligence gathering and response capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Border Security, Honourable Mohammed Isa Anka, acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Army in conducting operations in border areas, securing Nigeria’s borders with Chad, Cameroon and other countries. He assured the Nigerian Army of robust and seamless collaboration to enhance national security.
