Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned that a significant number of vehicles plying Nigerian roads are being used to transport weapons and illicit drugs for criminal activities, raising fresh alarm over national security and public safety.
Musa made the remarks during a security briefing in Abuja on February 2, 2026, highlighting the growing role of transportation networks in fuelling crime.Musa told journalists that criminal networks are exploiting Nigeria’s extensive road system to move contraband across the country, including firearms and narcotics.
He stressed the need for enhanced surveillance and coordinated crackdowns to disrupt these illegal logistics chains, saying: “We must work together to disrupt criminal networks that exploit local transportation systems to move weapons, drugs and illicit materials across our borders.”
The Defence Minister urged collaboration between the armed forces and local governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and communities to strengthen security efforts and close loopholes that criminals exploit. He emphasised that tackling the problem requires a shared commitment beyond military action alone, noting that security challenges have become more complex with porous routes and weak enforcement.
Musa’s comments come amid wider concerns over organised crime and illicit trade in Nigeria, where illegal arms and drugs have been linked to violent criminal groups and insurgent activities.
Analysts say that without better coordination among security agencies and improved border controls, criminal elements may continue to use routine travel and transport channels to move contraband with relative ease.