Shettima: Most of Nigeria’s security challenges caused by poor border control

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says there is a need to address the role of border communities in changing the security landscape of the country. 

Shettima spoke on Friday during a meeting with a delegation from the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) at the presidential villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the VP’s spokesperson, Shettima acknowledged that most of the security challenges of the country stem from poor border security.

“Most of the challenges we face stem from our poor border security evident in the free flow of light weapons and ammunition across the border,” Shettima said.

“We need to address the role of the BCDA in changing the security landscape of our country.”

Shettima noted the importance of border communities in national security and pledged continued support for their developmental needs.

He added that residents of border communities need to feel a sense of belonging as Nigerians.

He said the challenges faced by these communities included insecurity and lack of basic amenities.

The vice-president assured of the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and other essential services for the residents of these communities.

Shettima also assured of the government’s commitment to secure and develop the border communities to improve the lives of residents and their security.

Also speaking Junaid Abdullahi, BCDA executive secretary, expressed hope that under Shettima’s leadership, the agency would receive the necessary support to fulfill its mandate.

”Our border communities feel alienated from the rest of the country because of neglect,” Abdullahi said.

”If we can get development into our border communities, the pressure on the centre will reduce.

”We would have reduced rural-urban migration and also addressed most of our security challenges.

”Under your chairmanship, we believe that following your antecedent as governor of Borno state, we are sure you will give us the needed support to see that our agency is funded to carry out its mandate.”