Article: The porosity of the border between Niger and Nigeria: a challenge for regional security
The 1,500 km border that separates Niger and Nigeria is often described as incredibly porous despite attempts to close it and the sanctions imposed. Indeed, more than 80 official border posts are scattered all along this border, but this is not enough to stem the illegal trade which is increasing. This situation has serious consequences for the security of the regions concerned, in particular with regard to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as the activities of armed gangs known as “bandits”.
According to the Sarkin Yaki, Alh Sani Umar Jabbi, a traditional leader and member of the Sultan’s Council of Sokoto, the border is extremely vulnerable with more than 1,000 illegal crossings allowing unidentified individuals to move freely. Customs officers are understaffed, facilitating the passage of terrorists from Niger to Nigeria. In addition, arms trafficking is commonplace along this border.
Regions like Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna are particularly affected by the activities of bandits who control vast territories in northwestern Nigeria. Local people live in terror, suffering frequent kidnappings. The bandits attack the villages, carry out night raids and kidnap the inhabitants whom they then take into the forests. These hostages are only released against payment of a ransom, thus creating difficult situations for the local populations who must raise large sums to find their relatives.
This situation is a real scourge, as evidenced by the story of Aliyu, who was abducted from his home in Illela. He describes how he and other hostages are taken to remote camps where they are held captive until their families pay ransoms of up to 1 million naira each.
The situation is all the more alarming as the Nigerian army is struggling to secure these border regions. Any deterioration of the situation in Niger could have serious repercussions on the security of these already fragile areas.
It is therefore crucial for the Nigerien and Nigerian authorities to strengthen their efforts to combat this border porosity and put an end to the activities of the bandits. This requires an increase in customs staff, enhanced cooperation between the security forces of the two countries and a more effective fight against arms trafficking.
It is also essential to support local populations, by strengthening security measures and setting up prevention and support programs for victims of kidnappings