- Professor M.T. Usman
- Department of History & International Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto-Nigeria
This study examines the relationship between irregular migration and trans-border crimes in the Kamba-Illela-Jibiya (KIJ) corridor of the Nigeria-Niger borderlands. Investigation into trans-border crimes in these areas, such as drug and people trafficking, insurgency, sectarian militancy, and SALW smuggling, is crucial to understand the persistent threat they pose to security in West African nations, negatively impacting political stability and socioeconomic growth. Nigeria’s northwest security is linked to its porous borders, leading to cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom. This has devastated rural communities and disrupted farming and economic activity. Instability in one nation can impact neighboring nations, endangering regional stability and security. Cross-border crimes involve various individuals and groups moving across borders for different reasons. A thorough investigation of the nature and pattern of cross-border movement of people and goods in the region is crucial to understand the dynamics of these crimes, which remain a significant security threat in West Africa.
