EFFECT OF TRANS-BORDER CRIMES AND ITS CHALLENGES ON NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In recent time transborder crime has remarkably increased in Nigeria, as a result of porous border and the inability of the security Agencies and border Police to rein illegal smuggling activities. This paper, therefore, assessed border crimes and challenges on Nigeria‘s economic development. The paper relied on primary and secondary sources of data; and adopted strain/anomie theory as the theoretical framework. The theory contends that crime is bred through strain imposed by a society that promises without fulfilling as people would respond to strain/anomie differently. While some people would bear lack of opportunity and continue to think for better days (retualists), others would respond to lack of opportunity by indulging in criminal behaviours or may attempt to achieve monetary success through illegitimate channels. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages. The study revealed that poor border management is the cause of border crimes in Nigeria. The work recommended for training and re-training of security officers by the various security agencies; and constant awareness and / or enlightenment of the citizens on the effect of transborder crime through smuggling on economic development in Nigeria.