Security experts, policymakers and other stakeholders will converge on Abuja to examine strategies to address growing cross-border security threats that undermine Nigeria’s stability and national security.

This is contained in a statement by retired Commodore Amatare Kpou, acting president, Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Kpou said the discussions would take place at the 15th annual national security seminar organised by the AANDEC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), from June 16 to June 17.

He said the seminar, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was expected to attract participants from the military, security agencies, academia, the diplomatic community, civil society organisations, and the media.

According to him, Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders continue to pose significant security challenges, including arms trafficking, irregular migration, smuggling and the movement of criminals across national boundaries.

“Security analysts have consistently identified porous borders as a major factor facilitating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of transnational organised crime.

“The increasing complexity of these threats has heightened concerns over the need for stronger border governance and improved coordination among relevant security institutions.

“The seminar will provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to assess existing border management frameworks and explore practical measures for enhancing national security.

“Participants are expected to deliberate on issues relating to border governance, intelligence sharing, surveillance, transnational crime and emerging security threats,” he said.

The AANDEC leader said the seminar would also examine how technology, strategic partnerships and inter-agency collaboration can strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to secure its borders effectively.

According to him, addressing cross-border threats requires a comprehensive approach involving security agencies, neighbouring countries and regional organisations.

He said that experts had maintained that effective border security remains essential not only for combating crime and terrorism but also for promoting economic development, regional integration and national stability.

He said the annual seminar forms part of its commitment to promoting informed dialogue and contributing to policy development on issues of national security and strategic importance.

(NAN)