The Establishment of common market and Nigeria-Benin porous borders; Security implication in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the extent of Nigeria-Benin porous borders orchestrated by the objectives of economic integration vis-à-vis its security implication in Nigeria, this which has resulted in alarming spate of smugglings, proliferation of small arms and light weapons used in fueling violence acts, terrorism, banditry, etc. in the country. The study was anchored on the institutional theory as its blue-print of understanding. It adopted documentary method of data collection, content analysis for analysing data generated from secondary sources. It revealed that the imposition of stiff penalties on free movement of livestock, the arrest, prosecution and imposition of severe penalties on the offenders aided in the reduction of farmers-herders conflict in Benue State. We recommended amongst other things, that Benue State Government should keep security collaboration and synergy with all the bordering states to keep tough in the fight against Fulani extremists.