Defence Chief gives border management as responsible for unending security challenges in Nigeria -

Musa said, “The obligation to abide by the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement coupled with the nature of our border management further instigates the challenges to our nation’s security.”

He noted that this, “has manifested in increased insurgency, terrorism and religious extremism. As well as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human and drug trafficking among others.”

The Defence Chief explained that the underlying causes of these complexities could be attributed to the inadequacies in the implementation of frameworks for border management systems. As well as structures to adapt to systemic changes.

According to the CDS, the impact of these complexities on Nigeria’s national security, particularly in the Northern part of the country, has brought to the fore the need to improve border control. And the overall security architecture for more effective monitoring of illegal entry through the borders.

Musa, however, decried the erroneous perception of security issues as the responsibility of uniformed personnel. He pointed that this has greatly affected efforts to address the challenges in the north.

He said, “Currently, there is an erroneous perception of security being the responsibility of only the military.

“This has greatly affected the ability to address security concerns in the north.

“Similarly, some unpatriotic citizens continue to undermine the unity and security of Nigeria.”

Musa, therefore, stated that in order to ensure adequate security, citizens must be involved in the business of security.

“Until this is internalized, the security agencies which are significantly less than one per cent of the population will struggle to fill the massive gaps in the security architecture.”

The CDS also noted some of the factors that have hampered security management in the country. This, he said, are lack of patriotism, low human capacity index, the Nigerian justice system and lack of good governance.

He, therefore, stressed the need for continuous collaboration with political leaders and relevant stakeholders in the implementation of essential protocols and action plans towards strengthening border management for improved national security.

The CDS, therefore, stressed the importance of individual and collective civic responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all. He called on schools, tertiary institutions, parents and guardians to continually assist the security operatives.

He said, “Individuals, therefore, need to watch out for the good of others and pursue well-defined national security interests.

“Accordingly, people must be conversant with actions to be taken. And who to report unusual occurrences to as part of their responsibility to national security.

“It is also important that institutions guarantee the safety of whistle-blowers. And endeavour to reward individuals who show high levels of patriotism and love for the country.

“As I have always said, those unpatriotic citizens, fail to realize that there must first be a country before the issue of who governs where can be discussed.

“It is therefore, important for us to always see Nigeria as our country and continue to show patriotism,” the CDS said.

source: Arise NEWS

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