No Agency Can Secure Nigeria’s Borders Alone — IGP Egbetokun

By Diafa Doubra,

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stressed that securing Nigeria’s vast borders requires a joint effort, as no single agency has the capacity to handle the challenge alone.

Speaking during a national security forum, Egbetokun pointed out that Nigeria shares thousands of kilometers of porous borders with several neighboring countries, making it easy for criminals, arms smugglers, and illegal migrants to cross undetected. He explained that the activities of bandits, insurgents, and traffickers have been fueled by weak border control, which overstretches the resources of security agencies.

The IGP called for closer collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, the Armed Forces, and local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance. He also urged the government to invest more in modern border technology, including drones, sensors, and data-sharing systems.

Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police remain committed to working with other agencies to combat insecurity, but stressed that only a multi-agency approach can provide lasting solutions.