A NATIONAL CALL FOR STRONGER SECURITY AND BORDER PROTECTION BEFORE 2027
CSGG to Senate: Increase Security Funding and Strengthen Defence Minister’s Operational Authority to Defeat Insecurity
Abuja, Nigeria — The Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly and all relevant government and security agencies to intensify efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture ahead of the 2027 general election.
The organisation urged the National Assembly to move beyond routine oversight and provide the necessary legislative, financial and policy support required to enable the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to effectively confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national security.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of CSGG, Dr. Olayinka Olumide Adeosun, and the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, the group described the engagement between the Executive and Legislature on national security as an opportunity to build a stronger and more coordinated response to insecurity.
CSGG said Nigerians are watching developments closely and are urgently demanding greater protection of lives, communities and livelihoods.
«“Nigerians can endure economic hardship, but insecurity threatens the very foundation of society. Citizens must be able to travel, farm, trade, educate their children and conduct their legitimate businesses without fear.”»
INCREASE SECURITY FUNDING
CSGG called for sustained and adequate funding of defence and security operations, stressing that modern counter-insurgency requires advanced surveillance systems, intelligence capabilities, combat equipment, troop mobility, logistics, welfare and continuous training.
The organisation argued that security funding should be regarded as a national investment rather than simply an expenditure.
Nigeria’s own Ministry of Defence structure encompasses Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces and specialised institutions including the Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Space Administration, Defence Research and Development structures and other defence establishments, underscoring the need for coordinated resources across the defence architecture.
CSGG therefore urged lawmakers to ensure that approved defence allocations translate into operational capabilities, while maintaining appropriate legislative oversight, transparency and accountability.
STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL COORDINATION
The group further called for stronger institutional coordination among the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, state governments and local communities.
According to CSGG, insecurity cannot be defeated through isolated efforts by one institution.
The organisation also called for improved welfare, equipment, logistics, medical support and training for personnel serving on the frontlines.
It noted that the sacrifices of Nigerian troops should be matched with the resources and institutional support necessary for them to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
BORDER SECURITY MUST BECOME A STRATEGIC PRIORITY
CSGG also urged the Federal Government to intensify border management and surveillance across Nigeria’s vulnerable border corridors.
The organisation called for greater investment in:
- Modern border surveillance technology;
- Intelligence-led monitoring of vulnerable crossing routes;
- Biometrics and effective identity-management systems;
- Increased patrol capacity;
- Improved inter-agency intelligence sharing;
- Cooperation with neighbouring countries;
- Better infrastructure at legitimate border crossings; and
- Stronger protection and development of border communities.
Nigeria’s immigration framework already places significant emphasis on border control, surveillance and migration management, while the Ministry of Defence’s wider structure includes defence intelligence and other specialised capabilities that can contribute to national security coordination.
CSGG stressed that effective border security does not necessarily mean constructing physical barriers across every part of Nigeria’s extensive borders. Rather, the priority should be a modern, technology-driven and intelligence-led border-management system capable of detecting illegal movements while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce.
PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE 2027 ELECTION
The organisation also urged all relevant institutions to protect the credibility and security of the 2027 electoral process.
CSGG said only eligible Nigerian citizens who satisfy the requirements established by Nigerian electoral law should participate in voter registration and voting, while illegal registration, impersonation, multiple registration and other electoral offences should be detected and prosecuted without discrimination.
The group called on INEC and relevant security agencies to strengthen voter-register integrity, border-related identity controls and election security measures so that every legitimate Nigerian voter can exercise his or her constitutional right freely and peacefully.
The organisation stressed that electoral integrity should be a national responsibility rather than a partisan issue.
SECURITY MUST NOT BE POLITICISED
CSGG warned against reducing insecurity to partisan, sectional, ethnic or regional political arguments.
«“Security challenges do not recognize tribe, religion, region or political affiliation. Every Nigerian has a stake in the security of the country.”»
The organisation therefore urged political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community leaders to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and strengthening public confidence in the security architecture.
SUPPORT FOR GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA
CSGG said it has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), while emphasizing that such support should be accompanied by constructive demands for measurable results, accountability and effective use of public resources.
The group encouraged the Defence Minister to continue presenting a candid assessment of operational challenges, achievements, resource gaps and areas where legislative intervention can accelerate progress against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
CSGG said the National Assembly has an important role to play in ensuring that defence policy, funding and oversight are aligned with the country’s actual security needs.
«“The fight against insecurity requires more than hearings and resolutions. It requires strategic funding, strong legislative support, policy consistency, inter-agency coordination and effective institutional support for those entrusted with protecting the nation.”»
A CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY
CSGG said the responsibility for securing Nigeria belongs to every level of government and to citizens themselves.
As supporters and members associated with Friends of CG Musa, Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG), Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF), Tinubu Leadership Network and other civic platforms, the group said its immediate concern is the security, stability and democratic future of Nigeria.
The organisation called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies, state governments and communities to work together to create a safer environment in which Nigerians can live, work, travel and participate peacefully in democratic activities.
A secure Nigeria is the foundation for economic prosperity.
A protected border is an important pillar of national security.
A credible electoral process protects the democratic choice of Nigerians.
And adequately supported security personnel are essential to protecting the nation.
CSGG therefore urged all stakeholders to put national security above partisan differences and sustain the political will, funding and institutional cooperation required to restore lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.
