Nigeria is set to overhaul its border security system by shifting from manpower-driven patrols to a technology-based Smart Border Management System (SBMS) powered by drones, artificial intelligence, and real-time intelligence sharing.
The move follows a proposal presented by Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa (rtd) at the National Boundary Commission (NBC) High-Level National Workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” in Abuja.
Citing the Broken Windows Theory by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, Lassa warned that neglected border areas and weak enforcement create opportunities for serious crimes, including smuggling, terrorism, arms trafficking, and illegal migration.
He said Nigeria’s vast borders, spanning over 4,454 kilometres of land boundaries with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, as well as its maritime domain, require a modern security approach.
According to the presentation, while Nigeria has 364 approved international border control points, there are nearly 1,497 illegal and unmanned routes being used by criminal networks.
Lassa noted that conventional border patrols and checkpoints alone can no longer effectively tackle emerging security threats. He advocated the deployment of drone systems equipped with thermal cameras, radar, LiDAR, and other intelligence sensors to provide continuous surveillance.
The proposed Smart Border Management System will integrate drones, satellites, biometrics, artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and command centres to improve threat detection and response capabilities.
The presentation also recommended the establishment of a National Border Data Fusion and Intelligence Centre to consolidate information from immigration, customs, military, police, and intelligence agencies, enhancing coordination and strengthening border security operations across the country.
