Veteran Journalist Calls for Stronger Border Security, Immigration Enforcement

Abuja-based veteran journalist and public affairs commentator Anthony Ada Abraham has called on the Federal Government to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Abraham said the country’s security concerns cannot be separated from the reality of porous borders and the increasing presence of undocumented foreigners in several communities, particularly in northern Nigeria.

According to him, many migrants from neighboring countries have entered and settled in Nigeria without proper documentation, creating potential security risks.

“Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be separated from the reality of its porous borders. Across many northern communities, there are large numbers of undocumented foreigners, particularly from neighboring countries, who have entered and settled without proper records or verification,” he said.

He stressed that immigration enforcement must become a national priority if the country is serious about tackling insecurity.

“If we are truly serious about national security, immigration enforcement must become a priority. Authorities should identify undocumented migrants and ensure that those without legal status are properly processed and, where necessary, deported in accordance with the law,” Abraham stated.

The commentator also raised concerns over claims that some foreign nationals may have obtained voter registration cards and national identity documents during previous election cycles.

“Many people have raised concerns that during election periods, some foreign nationals were allowed to obtain voter registration cards and even national identity documents. Whether these claims are fully verified or not, they highlight the urgent need for stronger oversight of our identity management and electoral systems,” he said.

Abraham noted that undocumented migrants are currently spread across different parts of the country, often blending into local communities while engaging in low-income occupations.

While acknowledging that many migrants may simply be seeking better economic opportunities, he warned that weak border controls also create opportunities for criminal elements to infiltrate the country.

“While many may simply be seeking economic opportunities, weak border controls create opportunities for criminal elements, arms traffickers, terrorists, and other bad actors to exploit the same routes,” he said.

He further expressed concern over what he described as the poor state of border infrastructure in some parts of the country.

“Our border security cannot continue to exist only on paper. In some locations, the boundary between Nigeria and neighboring countries is little more than a rope or an informal crossing point. Such a situation poses a serious national security risk and demands immediate attention,” Abraham stated.

He urged the government to strengthen border surveillance, improve immigration documentation systems, enhance intelligence gathering, and ensure that only legally documented individuals are allowed to reside and work in Nigeria.

According to him, national integration efforts should not come at the expense of national security.

“The uncontrolled influx of undocumented migrants, especially from Niger and Chad, must be addressed before it becomes an even greater challenge for future generations,” Abraham warned.

He called on relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action to secure Nigeria’s borders and strengthen the country’s immigration and identity management systems.