Nigeria is poised to revamp its border security framework by transitioning from manpower-centric patrols to a technologically advanced Smart Border Management System (SBMS) that utilizes drones, artificial intelligence, and real-time intelligence sharing.
This initiative follows a proposal put forth by Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa (rtd) during the National Boundary Commission (NBC) High-Level National Workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” held in Abuja.
Referencing the Broken Windows Theory articulated by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, Lassa cautioned that neglected border regions and insufficient enforcement create avenues for serious criminal activities, such as smuggling, terrorism, arms trafficking, and illegal migration.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s extensive borders, which extend over 4,454 kilometers of land boundaries with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, along with its maritime territory, necessitate a contemporary security strategy.
The report indicated that while Nigeria has 364 sanctioned international border control points, there are approximately 1,497 illegal, unmanned routes exploited by criminal organizations.
Lassa asserted that traditional border patrols and checkpoints are no longer sufficient to address emerging threats, advocating for the deployment of drone systems equipped with thermal imaging, radar, LiDAR, and various intelligence sensors to ensure continuous monitoring.
The proposed SBMS aims to integrate drones, satellites, biometrics, artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and command centers to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.
The presentation also suggested the establishment of a National Border Data Fusion and Intelligence Centre to consolidate information from immigration, customs, military, police, and intelligence agencies.
Nigeria To Deploy Drones And AI To Seal 1,497 Illegal Routes
