The Irregular Migration and Security Challenges in North Western Nigeria
Trends, Issues and the Way Forward
Keywords:
Irregular Migration, Security Challenges, National Security, Migrants, NigeriaAbstract
Irregular migration is the migration of people across national borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country. Recently, it has been noted that there is a rising trends in irregular migration worldwide, especially from poorer to richer countries. Most migrants within and outside Africa are irregular migrants. However, those found in Nigeria appear to be on the increasing in the recent time especially in North Western region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of irregular migration and its effects on Nigeria’s national security with particular reference to North West region, and with a view of providing suggestions on how the security challenges faced in the country could be addressed. Thus, the paper began with presenting an historical and conceptual background of the issue of irregular migration and security challenges in Nigeria. The trends and issues of irregular migration and security challenges in North-Western Nigeria were reasonably discussed. It then reviewed the causes of irregular migration. It specifically dwelt extensively on the impacts and consequences of irregular migration on social, economic, political and security in north-western Nigeria. In the light of all these, recommendations were proffered as a way forward for reducing insecurity challenges in the northwestern part of the country and the nation at large.
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