Defence Chief Blames Porous Borders for Jihadist Surge in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity, attributing it to weak and porous borders that have allowed jihadist fighters from the Sahel region to infiltrate the country.

Following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday, General Musa revealed that militants expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are now crossing into Nigeria, intensifying attacks, particularly in the northern and middle belt regions.

He noted a surge in violent activities by groups like Islamic State Sahel Province and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, whose attacks have reportedly increased by over 40% since 2023.

President Tinubu has approved the procurement of new military equipment and air assets to support ongoing operations. General Musa emphasized a combined kinetic and non-kinetic approach to combat the threat.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration with neighboring countries, state governments, and local communities, urging Nigerians to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and avoid spreading misinformation.

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