FG Implementing Measures To Address Border Incursion, Strengthen National Security -Defence Minister

The federal government is strengthening measures to prevent border incursions and improve national security, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has assured Nigerians living abroad.

Musa gave the assurance during an interactive meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Angola on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda.

The minister said the government was working to make the country safer and ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora could return home without fear.

A statement by his special assistant on media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the meeting provided an opportunity for government officials to hear directly from Nigerians in Angola and respond to their concerns.

The Nigerian delegation to the AU session was led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also at the meeting were the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.

Musa commended the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a good relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission.

He said President Tinubu remained committed to tackling security threats across the country.

According to him, the government is increasing the strength and operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” Musa said.

He explained that insecurity in parts of the Sahel region was affecting neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, as threats could move across borders.

“Some of our ongoing challenges stem from regional instability in the Sahel, which trickles across our borders. However, comprehensive border management measures are actively being implemented to curb these incursions,” he said.

Musa also said the government was strengthening the use of reliable data in national security planning and development programmes.

He assured Nigerians that efforts to restore lasting peace and stability were continuing.

The minister of interior, Tunji-Ojo, said the government had also strengthened data protection and identity management systems.

He said improved cooperation among security agencies was already producing measurable results.

Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians in Angola that NiDCOM remained available to support their welfare and strengthen their contribution to national development.

She said the Commission would continue to promote opportunities that could benefit Nigerians at home and abroad.