POROUS BORDER SECURITY AS A BOOST TO ILLEGAL CROSS-BORDER MIGRATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

International Migration between Nigeria and her neighbours has been a source of concern in the formulation and articulation of diplomatic and foreign policy of the nation. The porosity of Nigerian borders has made it possible for unwarranted influx of migrants from neighboring states to enter the country illegally from such countries like Republic of Niger, Chad and Republic of Benin. The nefarious activities of the dreaded Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has made lives and properties insecure in Nigeria and this could be attributed to the incursion of migrants from the Republics of Niger and Chad to Nigeria. This work tries to ascertain the effects of poor border security on Nigeria’s National Security ad identify the challenge of effective border security in Nigeria. This paper observed that the problem of achieving effective border security has posed a great threat to Nigerian National Security because it has contributed to infiltration of terrorists/insurgents, loss of government revenue; smuggling or trafficking of illegal goods and in addition, it was revealed that the issue of corruption; poor technology gadget, porous nature of the borders all serve as strong challenges to effective border security in Nigeria. This paper suggested that adequate provision of funds; use of modern technology devices adequate training of security personal; strengthening of Multinational Joint Task Force etc, will go a long way in achieving effective border security in Nigeria in order to promote national security and development.