BORDER SECURITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The protection of a state’s territory against any potential threats depends on the level of its ability or capability to achieve effective border security or control. Therefore, this paper critically examined the issue of border security and national security in Nigeria. The main objectives of this work are to ascertain the effects of poor border security on Nigeria’s national security and identify the challenge of effective border security in Nigeria. Theory of transnationalism was adopted as a framework for analysis. This work sourced data through secondary sources and the data were analyzed qualitatively. 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/ insurgency; loss of government revenue; smuggling or trafficking of illegal goods etc. In addition, it was revealed that the issue of corruption; poor technological gadgets, porous nature of the borders etc serve as strong challenge to effective border security in Nigeria. This paper suggested that adequate provision of funds; use of modern technological gadgets; adequate training of security personnel; 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.