The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged the Nigerian government to consider fencing critical parts of the nation’s borders to curb the influx of small arms and light weapons, as well as other criminal elements. He made this call during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, General Musa emphasized the role of Nigeria’s porous borders in fueling the proliferation of illegal arms. He suggested the adoption of modern border technology, such as smart borders, that can detect and respond to threats to better manage the situation.

General Musa highlighted that while securing borders falls under the military’s purview, addressing the challenge of small arms proliferation requires a collective effort from all concerned authorities. He stressed that tackling this issue is crucial for realizing the dream of a peaceful and secure Nigeria.

In his remarks, Aliyu Misau, the Chairman of the House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, expressed concern over the rising proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Misau underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the National Assembly, the military, and other relevant stakeholders. He called for heightened awareness campaigns and a legal framework to address the nation’s security challenges. Misau emphasized that the spread of these weapons not only threatens national security but also has serious humanitarian consequences, contributing to violence and instability.

Both General Musa and Misau agreed that a unified approach between the legislative and military branches is essential to effectively tackling the growing security threat posed by the illegal arms trade.