Author(s) :

ADAMU Bashir Abdullahi, EJIGA John Onyirofieh.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Border control has become an increasingly important component of national security strategy as states confront the growing challenges of irregular migration, transnational organised crime, arms trafficking and violent extremism. In Nigeria, these challenges are particularly pronounced along the country's northern borders, where porous frontiers continue to facilitate cross-border criminal activities despite several institutional and policy interventions. This article examines the role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in strengthening national security through border control in Katsina State between 2019 and 2023. Unlike previous studies that relied primarily on field surveys, the article adopts a qualitative documentary research design based entirely on secondary sources, including peer-reviewed literature, government publications, policy documents, reports of international organisations, and security assessments. The study is anchored on Routine Activity Theory to explain how deficiencies in capable guardianship create opportunities for cross-border criminality. Evidence from the reviewed literature indicates that although the Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced reforms such as biometric border management systems, intelligence-led surveillance and interagency collaboration, its effectiveness continues to be constrained by inadequate manpower, limited technological infrastructure, corruption, weak institutional coordination and the proliferation of informal crossing routes. The review further reveals that border insecurity in Katsina State is sustained by the interaction of institutional weaknesses, socio-economic realities and the adaptive strategies of transnational criminal networks operating across the Nigeria-Niger border. The article concludes that strengthening border governance requires more than enforcement measures; it demands integrated border management, improved intelligence sharing, sustained technological investment, stronger interagency coordination and active participation of border communities. These measures are essential for enhancing national security and promoting effective border governance in Nigeria. Keywords: Border Governance, Border Security, National Security.

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