From Umar Dankano, Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has urged the Federal Government to modernise the state’s international borders through advanced surveillance technology, joint patrols and improved border infrastructure to address cross-border security threats.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri made the call while addressing the opening ceremony of a two-day Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting (FSSAM) held in Yola on Thursday.
Represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor stressed the importance of strengthening border security, noting that Adamawa shares hundreds of kilometres of international boundaries with Cameroon.
He appealed to the Federal Government to deploy advanced surveillance systems, including drones, strengthen joint border patrols and expedite the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts to tackle illegal migration, arms proliferation and smuggling.
“Adamawa State shares hundreds of kilometres of porous international frontier with the Republic of Cameroon. This geographical reality makes our state a key frontline in national defence,” Fintiri said.
He added that modern surveillance technology and coordinated border operations were urgently needed to improve security and protect residents of the state.
Adamawa Governor Seeks Improved Funding for Security Agencies
The governor also called for increased Federal Government funding for security agencies, citing the difficult conditions under which personnel operate.
He identified the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and Nigeria Customs Service as agencies requiring improved operational funding, tactical equipment and welfare packages.
“Our frontline officers are doing heroic work under difficult conditions. However, their operational funding, tactical equipment and welfare packages must be significantly upgraded by the Federal Government,” he said.
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At the meeting, Farauta, on behalf of the governor, announced the donation of 15 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 300 motorcycles to traditional rulers to strengthen security operations and support their respective emirates and chiefdoms.
The vehicles were presented to the traditional leaders following the meeting.
NSA Calls for Stronger Intergovernmental Coordination
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said effective security management required coordination, trust and structured engagement across all levels of government.
Ribadu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Governance and Subnational Affairs, Mr Okoro Agishara, said the Office of the National Security Adviser continued to strengthen intelligence coordination through monthly Joint Intelligence Board meetings.
According to him, the meetings bring together senior security focal persons from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve information-sharing and coordination.
He commended the Adamawa State Government for supporting security agencies and encouraged participants to share information and insights in line with international best practices.
The Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, who received the vehicles on behalf of the traditional rulers, thanked the state government for the gesture, describing it as a boost to security efforts across Adamawa State.