Former Army Chief Buratai Says Shutting Borders a Strategic Option in War Against Terrorism

Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has stated that the Federal Government possesses both the authority and capacity to shut down the country’s borders as a tactical measure in the ongoing battle against terrorism and insurgency across the nation.
Speaking during a security summit held in Abuja on Wednesday, the ex-military chief noted that one of the critical challenges fuelling insecurity in Nigeria is the porous nature of its borders, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions. According to Buratai, these uncontrolled entry points have over the years allowed terrorists, bandits, and arms smugglers to infiltrate the country, further complicating national security efforts.
Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Army Chief between 2015 and 2021 under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that border control remains one of the most effective tools any sovereign nation can deploy in curbing cross-border terrorism. He maintained that in times of serious security threats, such as those currently facing Nigeria, temporary closure of borders is not only legal but necessary.
In his words, “The Federal Government can indeed decide to close the borders, especially in troubled zones, if intelligence reports suggest it would help in tracking and isolating terrorist elements. It is a sovereign right, and it has been done before in other countries. Nigeria is not an exception.”
He also referenced past instances where partial border closures led to a significant drop in illegal arms inflow and smuggling activities. While admitting that such a decision would come with economic implications, particularly in terms of trade, Buratai insisted that national security must always take precedence over commercial considerations.
Security analysts at the event echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Nigeria’s over 4,000km of land borders with neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic continue to serve as escape routes and supply lines for insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. They called for a renewed focus on both physical and digital surveillance technologies to enhance monitoring along the borders, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Buratai also used the opportunity to commend the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, expressing confidence in their capacity to execute decisive operations if provided with the right intelligence and political support. He, however, cautioned that military action alone is not enough, calling for stronger regional cooperation, community engagement, and the involvement of traditional rulers in intelligence gathering.
With terrorist activities still persistent in parts of Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States, Buratai’s comments have reignited discussions among policymakers on the best approach to securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity. His remarks come at a time when the Tinubu-led administration is under growing pressure to deliver on its campaign promises of ending insecurity and restoring peace, particularly in the northern region.
Whether the government will act on the recommendation remains to be seen, but Buratai’s position underscores the urgency of adopting bold and proactive measures to reclaim Nigeria from the grip of terror networks and armed criminals.