IMPLICATIONS OF SMUGGLING ON NIGERIAS NATIONAL SECURITY (2015–2024)
Owuda Rashida Lamidi , Abdullahi Nuhu Liman and Mohammed Bello
Volume 12 Issue 1
Abstract
Smuggling activities across Nigeria’ borders, particularly at the Seme border, have emerged as a persistent threat to national security. The porous nature of Nigeria’s border infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, and economic disparities have created fertile ground for smuggling operations to thrive. Despite several government interventions, these illegal activities continue to undermine border control efforts, fuel transnational crime, and compromise the country’s internal security. This study examined the implications of smuggling at the Seme border on national security from 2015 to 2024. The main aim of the study was to analyse the extent to which smuggling activities at the Seme border have impacted Nigeria’s national security, with a focus on identifying patterns, actors, and institutional responses. The study adopted the State Fragility Theory as its theoretical framework, which highlights the inability of the state to assert authority and effectively govern its borders due to institutional weaknesses. A descriptive research design was employed to explore the phenomenon in depth. The population comprised 1,500 stakeholders directly and indirectly affected by smuggling, including security personnel, customs officials, traders, border residents, and policy analysts. Given the nature of the study, a purposive sampling technique was utilised to select participants with relevant knowledge and experience. Data were gathered through primary sources (interviews and questionnaires) and secondary sources (policy documents, academic publications, and media reports). The findings revealed that smuggling at the Seme border significantly facilitates the influx of small arms and light weapons, thereby intensifying communal conflicts and criminal violence. Additionally, it weakens the legitimacy of state institutions and undermines public trust in government capacity to protect national interests. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening inter-agency cooperation through joint border task forces and investing in technological surveillance systems to enhance real-time monitoring and response to smuggling activities. Keywords: Smuggling, National Security, Seme Border, State Fragility, Border Control, Nigeria
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