Improving Nigerian Border Security -- A Comprehensive Approach.

摘要

Nigeria's porous border situation presents a security problem that demands a coordinated national and multilateral approach if it is to be addressed effectively. Smuggling, narcotics trafficking, illegal immigration, movement of arms and ammunition, human trafficking, and insurgent movements offer some of the major challenges to domestic and regional security. A variety of circumstances and factors contribute to Nigeria's systemically futile efforts to accomplish adequate border operations. The federal government possesses abundant border policies and laws, however, it does not effectively coordinate the efforts of the various agencies that often possess overlapping lines of jurisdiction and authorities. The result is an inconsistent and inequitable effort to enforce laws and allows widespread violations to thrive. Deficiencies and shortages in personnel, equipment, facilities, and training, combined with Nigeria's prevalent penchant for graft and corruption complicate the problem even further. This paper explores some of the major negative influences on border security operations in Nigeria. It seeks to offer a framework and model that the Nigerian government and its neighbors might use to begin to address the problem.