Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed grave concern over Nigeria’s underfunded internal security sector and porous borders, warned that the nation’s efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime are being severely undermined.
Speaking during the Constitution Review Legislative Dialogue, the minister cited the 2025 budget allocation to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as insufficient to secure the country’s expansive borders.
“The entire capital budget for the Nigerian Immigration Service is less than N10 billion, and yet we expect it to protect 4,024 square kilometres of border space. Are we joking?” he queried.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo underscored the direct implications of weak border control on national security.
“When you kill one terrorist and the border remains porous, 20 more will enter. The military is overstretched. We must be realistic,” he added.
He also faulted the national tendency to resort to military intervention in civil security issues, describing it as symptomatic of institutional failure.
“We have some of the most brilliant minds in our Department of State Services (DSS), but when we talk about internal security, the first thing that comes to Nigerians’ minds is the military. That alone is a signal of failure in our civilian security architecture,” he said.
The minister further questioned the outdated funding structure of the Nigeria Police Force, lamenting its continued reliance on budgetary allocations despite its critical role in national safety.
“We are the most populous Black nation on earth over 240 million people and we expect the police to function effectively while depending on capital releases? It doesn’t make sense.”
The minister’s remarks follow renewed violence in Benue State, where gunmen suspected to be herdsmen launched a coordinated assault on security forces and civilians. Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed during an Arise News interview that the attackers infiltrated the area via a river, engaged troops in a prolonged firefight, and later retreated toward neighbouring Nasarawa State.
As insecurity continue to escalate, the minister’s comments have amplified calls for comprehensive reform in border management, internal security coordination, and sustainable funding frameworks for law enforcement agencies.
