In many parts of the world, irregular migration has remained a global security challenge, exposing many migrant victims to human trafficking, and human rights violations with induced security threats. Despite the efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at countering irregular migration in Nigeria, the menace still persists in Kwara border control posts., This leads to undocumented entry of persons of concern, which includes smuggling and trafficking in humans, among other acts of security breaches. This study assessed the operational capacities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in combating irregular migration in Kwara border control. It specifically identified the security challenges of irregular migrants along Kwara border axis, and the operational tactics of NIS in controlling irregular migration. and the challenges confronting NIS in combating irregular migration along Kwara border axis. The study adopted a qualitative method of In-depth Interview (IDI) and KeyInformant Interview (KII). Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used in selecting participants for the interview. A total of nine (9) respondents were interviewed and analyzed using content analysis. Findings of the study revealed that the security challenges in Kwara border axis included smuggling of children for domestic workers, motorcycle/car theft, armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom. The operational control of irregular migration was effective in the area of sufficient border control designs, regular training and retraining of personnel. This is in addition to synergies with other security agencies, but ineffective in border patrol capacity, staff strength, logistic needs, funding and sufficient staff ] motivation to navigate difficult working environment. The challenges of controlling irregular migration by NIS along Kwara borders included: the porous nature of Kwara borders, lack of adequate NIS manpower for effective border management, deficiencies in coordination and sharing of information between NIS and other security agencies. The study concluded that the NIS remains relatively effective in controlling human trafficking in Kwara borders but with many operational challenges. The study recommended that the NIS should recruit more men and strengthen Border Surveillance Technology, including cutting-edge instruments, drones, cameras, and sensors to enhance the operational capacity of NIS at curbing irregular migration at Kwara borders.
Keywords: Nigerian Immigration Services, Operations, Border Control, Migration, Kwara State, Manpower, Surveillance
Written by
Raji, Fatiu Gboyega, Ph.D
Centre for Peace and Security Studies,
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Samuel Idowu, Ph.D
Centre for Peace and Security Studies,
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Adekola, A. A. Ph.D
Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies,
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Raji Shittu, Ph.D
Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies,
University of Ilorin, Nigeria