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.