Yuguda demands tighter border security, says terror influx worsens insecurity

Dr. Isa Yuguda, Chairman of the APC Professionals Forum, urged the Nigerian government to enhance border security, surveillance, and regional intelligence collaboration to address security threats throughout the country. In his address during the forum's Policy Roundtable, Yuguda pointed out that while the Tinubu administration has increased defense funding and equipment, external factors continue to complicate internal security efforts.

He noted that instability in neighboring West African nations, coupled with porous border regions, has allowed armed groups and criminal networks to infiltrate Nigeria, causing violence and endangering local communities. According to Yuguda, these external pressures have made it difficult for the government to tackle security issues, with some terror and criminal elements successfully infiltrating communities.

The former Bauchi State Governor highlighted recent security improvements as a result of fiscal resources generated by economic reforms, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy. This has freed up over ₦15 trillion, which has been allocated to defense infrastructure and the armed forces to bolster national protection.

Yuguda recommended that the government prioritize border reinforcement, regional security cooperation, and enhanced intelligence gathering to maintain current progress and counter cross-border threats before the 2027 political cycle.