Nigeria eyes the use of drones and AI to secure 1,497 illegal border routes, shifting toward smarter border surveillance
Nigeria is preparing a major shift in how it manages border security through advanced technology. The federal government plans to introduce a Smart Border Management System (SBMS). This is intended to replace heavy reliance on manpower with drones, artificial intelligence, and real-time intelligence sharing.
The aim is to improve surveillance, speed up response times, and strengthen national security across all entry points.
The proposal was presented by Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa (Rtd) at a National Boundary Commission workshop in Abuja. The workshop focused on border security, resilience, and cross-border cooperation.
Lassa warned that weak enforcement and neglected border areas create opportunities for crime. He also referenced the Broken Windows Theory to explain how small lapses in control can escalate into larger security threats.
Nigeria’s land borders stretch over 4,454 kilometres, connecting Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Officials at the workshop noted that while the country has 364 approved border control points, nearly 1,497 illegal and unmanned routes are still actively exploited by criminal networks. These routes are linked to smuggling, arms trafficking, terrorism, and illegal migration.
To address these gaps, the proposed system will deploy drones fitted with thermal cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors to monitor difficult terrain in real time. The framework will also integrate satellite systems, biometrics, and AI-driven analytics to detect threats faster and more accurately.
A National Border Data Fusion and Intelligence Centre is also recommended to connect immigration, customs, police, military, and intelligence agencies for unified operations.
Rear Admiral Lassa emphasized that drones offer a practical way to cover vast and inaccessible areas effectively, while also calling for a National Border Coordinator and stronger drone regulation. The overall goal is to move Nigeria from reactive border patrols to a fully intelligence-led security system.
