Inter-Security Agencies Conflict at Nigeria’s Borders: a Challenge to Nigeria’s National Security
Idowu Johnson

Abstract
This paper examines the patterns of inter-security agencies conflict at Nigeria’s borders since independence. It is apparent that Nigeria’s ill-defined borders will always bring tensions between Nigeria and her neighbouring countries. The paper argues that Nigeria’s response to such conflict is very slow. Given the strategic, but also vulnerable, location of Nigeria in the African continent, especially at the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria’s ineffective management of border issues can have adverse effects on Nigeria’s national security. With specific cases of inter-security agencies conflict at Nigeria’s borders, the loss of lives and properties, and the spill-over effect of these conflicts, the paper posits that a corrupt government and ill-disciplined policy must not expect anything reasonable from the security agencies. Given this situation, the decision-making machinery in Nigeria’s national security and foreign policy issues should have a political will, unity of purpose and clear sense of direction on border issues being violated by Nigeria’s neighbouring countries. To accomplish this, Nigeria should focus on collective defense and cooperative security in Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral relationships with her neighbouring countries.

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