Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria has over 320 illegal and unmanned border routes, significantly contributing to insecurity across the country, according to retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, Sunday Fagbamigbe.
Speaking during an interview in Abeokuta on Friday, Fagbamigbe highlighted the dangers posed by these routes, stating, “The illegal routes provide avenues for insecurity, proliferation of arms, and dumping of unwholesome goods in the country.”
Fagbamigbe urged the Federal Government to invest in advanced border security technologies to address the growing challenges.
“The installation of modern surveillance equipment has become necessary because of the increased challenge of insecurity bedevilling the nation,” he said, listing drug trafficking and human trafficking among the major threats.
He emphasised that border policing should evolve from relying solely on human personnel to employing sophisticated electronic-based equipment, which he said had proven more effective in other parts of the world.
“The porous borders have also encouraged the thriving illegal drug and human trafficking all over the country,” he added.
Fagbamigbe recommended the use of technologies like electronic sensors, video monitors, night vision scopes, drones, and dark fighter cameras to enhance border control, noting that such advancements had proven effective in other countries.
He called for a more comprehensive approach to border security, stating, “We have to take seriously border management security, and work with border communities. We must create a sense of awareness and collaboration.”
He also noted that Nigeria currently lacks sufficient security personnel to monitor these illegal border routes effectively.
Fagbamigbe, who retired on October 4 after 30 years of service, had served in various key positions including Igando, Iseyin, Saki border patrol, Lagos Passport Command, and Zone ‘F’ Oyo.