Defence Minister Calls for Reintroduction of Modernised Tollgates to Track Criminals, Safeguard Lives

General Christopher Musa, the former Minister of Defence, has called for the reintroduction of modernised tollgates across Nigeria's major highways. He regards these tollgates as critical non-kinetic security infrastructure that can track criminal elements and protect lives and livelihoods. The minister emphasized that modern tollgates, equipped with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and automation, can capture vehicle registration numbers, monitor vehicle movements, and swiftly apprehend suspects.

He made these remarks during a panel discussion titled 'Safe to Farm, Travel and Trade: Protecting Lives and Livelihoods in Every Community.' The reintroduction of these advanced tollgates, he argued, could overcome the operational abuses that plagued previous installations. Musa also underscored the urgent need for a modernised national identification system, advocating for the integration of unique identification numbers, facial recognition, and biometric data.

This, he said, would bolster national security by verifying records and eliminating identity ambiguity. Concerning military deployment, Musa acknowledged the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the nation's territorial integrity. However, he highlighted the need to address personnel fatigue caused by extended deployments away from families and loved ones.

He revealed that efforts are underway to enhance police recruitment, training, and operational capacity, aiming for a robust civil policing system to gradually reduce military involvement and focus on proactive security measures ahead of 2027. Musa concluded by asserting that Nigeria's greatest strength lies in its unity, emphasizing that the primary challenge is not a shortage of resources or firepower, but internal divisions and a lack of cohesion among citizens.