Challenges of Border Control and Effect on National Security: A Case of Nigeria-Niger Border

Abstract

This study seeks to highlight the challenges in the Nigeria’s international borderlines and its implications for national security at the Nigeria-Niger borders. This is because the layers of frontier and cross-border activities of Nigeria and her neighbours since independence in 1960 has been bedevilled by controversies and worrisome security challenges that sparked diplomatic rows and near-war experiences. The greatest challenge facing Nigeria today is international terrorism that is aided by religious extremism, porosity of borderline and cross-border security challenges and crimes. Indeed, the existence of porous borders and cross-border and frontier activities in Nigeria has aided crimes and security challenges across Nigerian borders for long without any specific solutions. Theory of transnationalism was adopted as a framework for analysis. This study sourced data from secondary sources and the data were analyzed qualitatively. The study findings revealed that border porosity caused food scarcity in the northeast, which in the struggle for food people get into serious crises. Also, the level of kidnapping/banditry and insecurity has increased in the Northeast region. Based on the findings, the study suggested that adequate provision of funds, use of modern technological gadgets, adequate training of security personnel, and strengthening of Multinational Joint Task Force etc, will go a long way in achieving effective border security in Nigeria, which promotes national security and development.