By Nick Ibe

Nigeria is set to overhaul its border security system by shifting from manpower-driven patrols to a technology-based Smart Border Management System (SBMS) powered by drones, artificial intelligence and real-time intelligence sharing.

The move follows a proposal presented by Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa (Rtd), at the National Boundary Commission (NBC) High-Level National Workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” in Abuja.

Citing the Broken Windows Theory by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, Lassa warned that neglected border areas and weak enforcement create opportunities for serious crimes, including smuggling, terrorism, arms trafficking and illegal migration.

He said Nigeria’s vast borders, spanning over 4,454km of land boundaries with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as its maritime domain ,require a modern security approach.

The paper revealed that while Nigeria has 364 approved international border control points, there are nearly 1,497 illegal and unmanned routes exploited by criminal networks.

Lassa said conventional border patrols and checkpoints alone can no longer effectively tackle emerging threats, advocating drone systems equipped with thermal cameras, radar, LiDAR and other intelligence sensors to provide continuous surveillance.

“Drones provide Nigeria with the practical, cost-effective and technologically advanced means of monitoring vast and inaccessible border areas,” he said.

The proposed SBMS will integrate drones, satellites, biometrics, artificial intelligence, geospatial data and command centres to improve threat detection and response.

The submitted a recommendation on National Border Data Fusion and Intelligence Centre to unite information from immigration, customs, military, police and intelligence agencies.

It also called for a National Boundary Geospatial and Drone Unit, stronger drone regulations, indigenous drone production, public-private partnerships and the appointment of a National Border Coordinator to harmonise border operations.

Lassa stressed that Nigeria must move from a reactive border control model to an intelligence-led system capable of protecting territorial integrity, boosting trade and curbing transnational crimes.

By Felix Umande

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Tuesday faulted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for politicising the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, saying President Bola Tinubu prioritised their rescue through security operations rather than “public grandstanding.”

Akume spoke in Abuja while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, led by its President, Peter Bassey. His remarks were contained in a statement by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.

The SGF’s comments followed Makinde’s complaint that the President had yet to call him after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

On Monday, Makinde formally assumed responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of 45 teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. He also called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction.

Responding to the criticism, Akume said what mattered to the President was securing the release of the victims.

“We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations, but we are improving by the day,” Akume said.

“When the noise was rife that the President didn’t place a phone call to someone, it doesn’t make sense. Would a telephone call to that person have resolved the case? Would those held captives have been released? No.

“It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others. We should not be interested in a telephone call.”

He described Tinubu as “a doer” whose leadership is defined by action rather than words.

“This is why I tell people that Asiwaju (the President) is a doer. He is not a talker. He is like the Centurion of the old Roman Empire whose services were rendered in deeds and not in words. His leadership is defined by action and results,” Akume stated.

“Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children and, today, they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters.”

Akume maintained that the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives through carefully coordinated, intelligence-driven operations.

“The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His administration remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can live and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear,” he said.

He stressed that terrorism and kidnapping require intelligence-led responses rather than political rhetoric.

The SGF also commended the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development for promoting religious harmony and national unity.

“I am particularly impressed that you have chosen unity over division. Whether one is a Christian or a Muslim is not the issue; what matters is that we are Nigerians united by a common destiny. Your association demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but essential for national progress,” he said.

Earlier, the association’s President, Peter Asuquo Bassey, said the group visited the SGF to strengthen ties with his office, citing Akume’s record in public service.

“We have come to familiarise and strengthen our relationship with you because we believe strongly in your leadership. We have followed your antecedents over the years, and we are convinced that you are committed to the service of our nation,” Bassey said.

–Framework To Tackle Quackery, Enforce Construction Standards Coming

By Isa Abdul

The federal government is set to overhaul the regulation of Nigeria’s built environment with a new policy framework to end the recurring incidents of building collapse, eliminating quackery and enforcing strict compliance with construction standards nationwide.

This was made known by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma. He added that the proposed framework would establish a coordinated regulatory regime for the construction industry, improve public safety and promote the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Speaking in Abuja receiving the leadership of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), led by its President, Prof Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, the minister described effective regulation of the industry as a key priority of his administration.

He disclosed that the ministry would, before the end of July, present the draft framework to stakeholders for consultations ahead of its submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

According to Darma, the proposed policy will harmonise the roles of professional bodies within the built environment and ensure strict adherence to building regulations and professional standards.
He lamented that weak regulatory oversight had allowed unqualified practitioners to thrive, resulting in poor-quality construction and frequent building failures across the country.

“We cannot continue to have an industry of this magnitude without effective regulation. Every practitioner must operate within established codes and standards. We are determined to sanitise the sector and restore professionalism,” the minister said.

Darma added that his ministry was committed to delivering a safer and more efficient built environment, urging COREN and other professional bodies to play active roles in the ongoing stakeholder engagement process.
He noted that engineers remain central to the government’s drive to improve construction quality, protect lives and raise confidence in the nation’s housing and infrastructure sectors.
COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, congratulated the minister on his appointment expressing confidence in his resolve to reposition the housing and construction industry through stronger regulation.

Abubakar also invited the minister to the 34th Engineering Assembly, expected to attract between 8,000 and 9,000 engineering professionals, technologists, technicians, craftsmen and artisans from within and outside Nigeria.

He said the 2026 Assembly would focus on public safety, regulatory compliance and enforcement, while considering a new sanctions framework that would combine preventive measures, disciplinary actions and prosecution in line with international best practices.