Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, fueled by cross-border terrorism, banditry, and arms smuggling, has prompted the calls for a fortified border policing. The Nigeria-Nigerien border is porous to the point of non-existence. So, it is in response that, the Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, advocates for the fencing up of the country’s borders—particularly the 1,500 km stretch with Niger Republic—as a critical measure to curb the influx of terrorists from the Sahel region.

Drawing inspiration from historical precedents like the Great Wall of China, which served as a formidable defensive barrier against invasions, Nigeria could significantly enhance its national security by erecting a modern border fence integrated with surveillance technology. This is from General Musa’s perspective. While the project is capital-intensive, the long-term benefits, ranging from reduced terrorist infiltration to economic stability, justify the investment.

Global precedents, where walls were built, and it works, abound. Nigeria is, therefore, not the first country to consider or implement border fencing as a security measure.

India and Pakistan/Bangladesh: India has fenced large stretches of its border with Pakistan and Bangladesh to control terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling. Though not foolproof, the fencing has significantly reduced infiltration in sensitive regions like Kashmir.

Israel: Israel’s security barrier in the West Bank has been credited with drastically reducing suicide bombings and militant incursions. Controversial, yes — but effective from a military standpoint.

United States and Mexico: While politically charged, parts of the US-Mexico border wall have helped reduce illegal crossings and cartel smuggling routes in areas where fencing is fortified and monitored. The U.S. pedestrian and vehicle fencing along high-traffic zones led to a 90% drop in illegal crossings in monitored areas, forcing smugglers into more remote (and less viable) routes.

Saudi Arabia-Iraq Border Wall: Stretching over 900 kilometers, Saudi Arabia’s wall with Iraq was built to prevent the infiltration of ISIS militants. It features underground sensors, radar systems, and watchtowers.

1. Curbing Terrorism and Armed Insurgency: Nigeria’s porous borders have allowed terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP to move freely between Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, exacerbating violence in the Northeast and Northwest regions. General Musa emphasized that fencing the Niger border—a major entry point for terrorists, would disrupt their supply chains and recruitment networks.

2. Reducing Illegal Arms and Drug Trafficking: Nigeria’s borders are conduits for smuggling weapons and narcotics, fueling banditry and organized crime. A Small Arms Survey report estimates that 70% of West Africa’s 500 million illegal firearms are in Nigeria, with many entering through unmanned borders. A fortified fence, combined with surveillance drones and sensors, would restrict these illicit flows.

3. Strengthening Border Control with Technology: A fence alone is insufficient—Nigeria must integrate smart surveillance systems (drones, motion sensors, thermal cameras) to detect and intercept threats. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol spends over $700 million annually on border tech, proving that a hybrid approach (fence plus tech) is most effective.

4. Economic Benefits: Curbing Smuggling and Revenue Loss: Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to smuggling, particularly in petroleum products and agricultural produce. A Chatham House report revealed that 80% of Benin Republic’s fuel consumption is smuggled from Nigeria, costing over $863 million yearly. A secured border would enforce legitimate trade and boost tax revenues.

5. Regulating Migration and preventing Human Trafficking: The ECOWAS Protocol on free movement is often misinterpreted as a license for unchecked entry and exit. As a result, Nigeria has become a corridor and destination for undocumented migrants, some of whom pose national security threats. A fenced and regulated border system will help distinguish between legitimate travelers and those with nefarious intents.

6. Boosting Intelligence and Surveillance: Walling the border is not just about the physical structure, but also about integrating advanced technology. Surveillance cameras, biometric scanners at checkpoints, and patrol drones can offer real-time monitoring and swift response capabilities, reducing reliance on human patrols alone.

7. Symbol of National Sovereignty: Just as the Great Wall of China became a symbol of resilience and unity, a Nigerian border fence would reinforce territorial integrity and deter foreign aggressors. General Musa argues that Nigeria’s wealth makes it a target, necessitating a physical barrier to assert control.

While fencing Nigeria’s borders is a strategic imperative, challenges include:

High Cost: The U.S.-Mexico fence cost $7 billion, with maintenance reaching $50 billion over its lifespan. Nigeria could adopt a phased approach, starting with high-risk zones like the Niger border.

Environmental Impact: Lessons from the U.S. show that fencing can disrupt wildlife. Nigeria must conduct ecological assessments before construction.

Community Resistance: Border communities may oppose fencing. This may be due to historical, cultural or filial ties with groups in the neighbouring countries like Niger and Benin Republics. Sensitization programs and economic incentives (e.g., job creation in border security) can, therefore, mitigate backlash.

General Musa’s proposal, which represents a call for action, aligns with global best practices in border security, not withstanding the criticism by people like, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the last general election, Omoyele Sowore. Countries like China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. have demonstrated that physical barriers, when combined with technology and manpower, drastically improve security.

Nigeria cannot afford to delay. With terrorism, arms smuggling, and economic sabotage escalating, a fenced and tech-monitored border is no longer optional—it is a national survival strategy. The government must prioritize this project, leveraging international partnerships and smart financing models to make it a reality.

As the Great Wall of China once safeguarded an empire, a Nigerian Border Fence could be the shield that secures Africa’s largest economy from its enemies—both foreign and domestic.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that, erection of walls is not all there is to effective border policing. The wall is one aspect of it, while the integrity and incorruptibility of the men and women that would man it, is another. It is a very crucial component of it. The Chinese wall was breached numerous times in its first 1000 years of its erection, not because its physical structure was defective, but because the humans manning it were integrity-challenged and corrupt, among other factors. It was compromised several times, not always through dramatic breaches but often via evasion, decay, or human failure. As the old Chinese saying goes, “The strength of the wall lies not in the stones, but in the men who defend it.” And too frequently, the men failed long before the wall did.

So yes — walls can protect, but they must be guarded with vigilance, integrity, and strategic foresight. The lesson for Nigeria, perhaps, lies not just in building the wall — but in building the will.

Abubakar writes from Ilorin, Kwara state. He can be reached via 08051388285 or [email protected]

Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of TheCable.