NIGERIA-BENIN REPUBLIC MIGRATION AND CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

Border porosity in Nigeria has aggravated the proliferation of cross-border criminalities daily due to numerous illegal routes created by smuggling entrepreneurs in connivance with security personnel. Observably, this continues to exacerbate the illegal migration of citizens from neighbouring countries with attendant consequences for the economy and security of Nigeria. This study examines Nigeria-Benin Republic migration and challenges of Nigeria's national security: issues, challenges and prospect. The theory of trans-nationalism was used to anchor the study. With the aid of both primary and secondary methods of data collection, especially from questionnaire and interview together with elicited information from library and official (government) sources, books, journals and internet materials, findings indicate that land border closure, inter-agency cooperation, policy of deporting illegal immigrants and good neighbor policy are some of the ways Nigeria government has attempted to address the implication of Nigeria-Benin Republic border migration on Nigeria's security. It also revealed that various initiatives failed to curtail the high increase in the level of illegal migration and arms flow into the country due to high practice of corruption among security agencies at border as well as weak technology. The study recommends that proper border management to bring about improved national security demands the concerted efforts of the government on one hand, and the patriotism of the citizens on the other hand. There should be timely procurement of security intelligence, prompt identification of threats to both internal and national security with its attendant pro-active security arrangement, threat assessment, statement of aims/objectives of national security objectives and programmes, planning to be in line with the objectives of national security.