Nigeria must deploy tollgates, technology to improve highway security – Musa

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has advocated restoring tollgates on major highways and deploying modern technology to enhance highway security and help identify and track criminals. Musa noted that tollgates could play a valuable security role, especially with modern technology that can identify and track vehicles without requiring drivers to stop for manual payments.

The minister made the remarks at the Abuja roundtable, “Promise to Proof: The Renewed Hope Conversation,” organised by the APC Progressive Strategy Roundtable. It was convened by the Executive Chairman/CEO of PICNG and EVs, Ismaeel Ahmed. Responding to concerns about highway security and a suggestion that motorists could contribute through security levies at tollgates, Musa described the reintroduction of tollgates as a good idea, noting that Nigeria might have made a mistake by dismantling them.

He explained that modern tolling systems in other countries use technology to identify vehicles through their registration numbers, with payments processed electronically, adding that such systems could also assist security agencies in identifying and tracking vehicles. The minister also called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s identification system through the use of personal identification numbers, facial recognition and fingerprints to improve security monitoring.

He said technology would make it easier for security agencies to establish people’s identities and track criminal activities. On the broader security situation, Musa said the Federal Government was recording progress in tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through increased defence investment, improved intelligence gathering, joint military operations and stronger cooperation among security agencies.

He disclosed that the Federal Government allocated ₦5.4 trillion to defence in the 2026 budget and was recruiting an additional 12,000 military personnel to strengthen manpower and security coverage. According to him, the government was also investing in modern weapons, surveillance systems and operational platforms to improve intelligence gathering, mobility, firepower and rapid response capabilities.

He further disclosed that Nigerian security forces killed more than 300 terrorists and bandits, including over 10 commanders, in operations conducted in the week preceding his presentation. The minister identified porous borders as a major challenge, noting that Nigeria shares extensive borders with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger Republic, through which criminal groups and illicit arms can move.

He said the government was strengthening border security and expanding bilateral, regional and international defence cooperation through intelligence sharing, specialised training and technological support. Musa added that Nigeria continued to maintain security relationships with Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, including military training and cooperation around border areas.

He warned that instability in the Sahel posed a serious threat to West Africa and urged regional countries to work together to prevent the collapse of neighbouring states. The minister also highlighted the importance of local defence manufacturing, disclosing that the government had strengthened the country’s defence industry through legislative reforms and partnerships with equipment manufacturers.

He said Nigeria recently hosted the first African International Military Defence Exhibition, which attracted 63 countries and provided opportunities for local manufacturers to meet international partners and sign investment agreements. According to him, domestic production of military equipment would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, create employment and generate foreign exchange.

He called on Nigerians with expertise in cybersecurity, drone manufacturing and other defence technologies to bring forward their ideas for possible collaboration with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria. Addressing concerns about the increasing involvement of the military in internal security operations, Musa acknowledged that soldiers had become overstretched by prolonged deployments across the country.

He said the military’s involvement was necessary in situations where security challenges exceeded the capacity of the police but stressed that the armed forces were working to strengthen police capacity to enable soldiers to gradually return to their primary responsibilities. According to him, the military was already assisting the police while the government pursued additional recruitment, equipment procurement and institutional reforms.

He disclosed that security agencies were enjoying unprecedented cooperation, describing the current level of interagency coordination as a significant improvement. Musa also highlighted the role of communities in combating insecurity, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities rather than remain indiff