Fintiri seeks modernised borders, improved security funding

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has called on the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s international borders, improve security funding and strengthen collaboration among security agencies to address persistent security threats.

Fintiri made the call on Thursday in Yola while declaring open the 2026 Federal and States Security Administrators’ Meeting (FSSAM), held at the Banquet Hall, Government House.

The governor said Adamawa’s strategic location, sharing hundreds of kilometres of porous international borders with Cameroon, made it a critical frontline state in Nigeria’s national security architecture.

He urged the Federal Government to deploy advanced surveillance technology, drones and joint border patrols, as well as expedite the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts to tackle illegal migration, arms proliferation and smuggling.

Fintiri also called for improved operational funding, tactical equipment and welfare packages for security personnel, including the Military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and Customs.

He stressed the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, saying that effective security operations depended on cooperation between intelligence gatherers and field tactical teams.

The governor identified Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as persistent threats in the sub-region, noting that the insurgents continued to exploit rural terrain, asymmetric tactics and cross-border vulnerabilities to attack soft targets.

He also raised concerns over emerging threats, including cybercrime, digital radicalisation and the vandalism of critical infrastructure such as electricity grids, telecommunications towers and transport links.

Fintiri said his administration had adopted community-based security measures under its Fresh Air Agenda, including the creation of seven new emirates and chiefdoms to strengthen traditional institutions and bring governance closer to the people.

According to him, the traditional councils have helped improve grassroots intelligence gathering, resolve local disputes and address security challenges before they escalate into violence.

He said the state government had also supported security agencies with operational vehicles, modern communication equipment and funding for joint operations, including Operation Farauta.

The governor, however, urged security administrators to develop practical strategies that would address the root causes of insecurity rather than rely solely on military operations.

He recommended integrating security operations with rural infrastructure development, education and youth empowerment programmes to reduce the economic factors contributing to crime.

Fintiri also advocated the adoption of unified digital freight and transit tracking platforms to secure transport corridors, trace suspicious cargo and curb illegal checkpoints.

He called for formalised collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers and recognised local vigilante groups across the 36 states.

The governor urged participants to use the two-day meeting to develop an actionable roadmap for addressing the country’s security challenges.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and creating a safe environment for residents, investors and visitors in Adamawa.

Fintiri subsequently declared the meeting officially open, expressing hope that the deliberations would produce practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.