CONTENDING WITH TRANS-BORDER CRIME IN THE NIGERIA-BENIN BORDER: A REVIEW OF THE APPROACHES AND IMPACT OF NIGERIA’S MILITARY GOVERNMENT, 1984-1999

Abstract

This article examines the various approaches of Nigeria’s military governments in contending with the threats posed by trans-border crime in the Nigeria-Benin border to Nigeria’s economic and security well-being in the 1980s and 1990s. However, existing literature has overlooked this all important subject in knowledge. This article argues that, as in other parts of the world, trans-border crime has led to the collapse of infant industries, created an unemployment crisis, smuggling of arms and ammunition, as well as sub-standard products into Nigeria. The article adopts a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach. The findings reveal that the phenomenon of trans-border crime dates back to the colonial period in border areas where rival colonial masters share a border, as was the case between British and French territories in colonial West Africa. It concludes that a holistic approach jointly agreed by both countries should be implemented to curb the menace of trans-border crime at the Nigeria-Benin border.