Cross-border migration, banditry and the challenges of development in Nigeria

Globalisation has transformed national corporate operations. It allows commercial activity beyond borders, promoting free trade and financial flows. However, concurrently, the influx of cross-border investment has inadvertently facilitated illicit commercial transactions across Nigeria’s borders, hence significantly impacting Nigeria’s economic performance. This study examined the relationship between cross-border migration and banditry and how they hinder Nigeria’s growth. The researchers used textbooks, journal articles, published dissertations, online resources, official statistical documents, international organizations reports, newspapers and periodicals to achieve the objective of the study. The data was analysed using content analysis by extracting relevant information pertaining to the study from the above mentioned secondary sources. This study employed the opportunity structure theory. This theoretical framework states that a group of people, regardless of their amount of discontent or grievances, will not resort to violence unless opportunity structures that enable and inspire violence are present. The study’s findings confirm that the permeability of Nigeria’s borders has facilitated unrestricted entry for bandits who engage in various forms of violent activities, including cattle rustling, kidnapping and homicides. Information about the victims, the settings, and the nature of the assaults were also submitted as part of the investigation. The majority of businesses in Nigeria’s North Eastern region have shut down due to security concerns brought on by armed bandits, according to the study’s findings. There has been an increase in youth unemployment and illiteracy, and people’s living situations have worsened. The research recommends that Nigeria should invest in human resources to improve security. Security agencies should also receive modern technologies to identify and deter unlawful entry into Nigeria.