Commodity Smuggling in Selected Coastal Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: An Investigation of the Nature and Techniques

Smuggling is a prevalent form of transnational organised crime that poses significant threats to the economic development and security of Nigeria, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. Despite efforts by security agents, the menace of commodity smuggling continues to undermine national and regional stability. This study investigated the nature, techniques and associated constraints of commodity smuggling in selected coastal communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research was anchored on the Situational Crime Prevention Theory developed by Ronald V. Clark in 1983. An exploratory survey design was employed, with a purposive selection of 186 participants, including community leaders, opinion leaders, youth leaders, residents, security agents in Mbo, Ikot Abasi and Uruan Local Government Areas. Data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that commodity smuggling in the coastal communities of Akwa Ibom State is widespread and involved a variety of goods, including dangerous and substandard items that pose risks to public health and national security. Smugglers employ diverse and increasingly sophisticated techniques, using both land and sea routes and often operate through informal networks that involve bribery and collusion with corrupt officials. Despite various strategies adopted by security agencies to curb smuggling, such as surveillance and interagency collaboration, the effectiveness of these efforts is hindered by systemic challenges. It was recommended that the government should use the mass media as key stakeholders in sensitisation and attitude change and as well invest in modern surveillance technology such as drones, marine radar systems and satellite monitoring.