Combating Transnational Crimes and Illegal Entry along Nigeria–Bénin Border: A Blueprint For Nigeria’s National Security

Résumé

This paper examines the challenges of the porous Nigeria-Benin Republic border and its impact on Nigeria’s national security. It notes that over the years, Nigeria has been experiencing an upsurge in the number of illegal, irregular or undocumented immigrants in the country. These were attributed to many factors including porous borders, corruption and inefficient border patrol or monitoring among others. The proximity of Benin Republic to Nigeria along Ogun State axis, especially at the Idi-Iroko border, the second busiest border in South West Nigeria after Seme border in Lagos, has apparently posed a threat to the fragile Nigerian security architecture by the ease with which miscreants and other criminal-minded elements move in and out of both countries. The numerous unofficial escape routes in the area have indeed provided a great impetus to smugglers and human traffickers. The porous nature of these borders in Ogun State and elsewhere has no doubt heightened an upsurge in criminal activities in the country. The study further documents the consequences of these porous borders and multiple illegal entry posts on national security and proffers possible solutions to the lingering problem. The research utilized both print and online sources for its data collection. It concludes that adequate and effective border control mechanisms should be provided along the Nigeria-Benin border at Idi-Iroko. This will go a long way to reduce criminality in the country enhance revenue generation drive and project the nation as a well-organized and responsible one.