ILLEGAL MIGRATION AND THE CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Migration between Nigeria and her neighbours has been a source of concern in the formulation and articulation of diplomatic and foreign policy of the nation. The porosity of Nigerian borders has made it possible for unwarranted influx of migrants from neighbouring States to enter the country illegallyfrom such countries as Republic of Niger, Chad and Republic of Benin. The paper interrogates the illegal migration and how it has impacted on national insecurity in Nigeria. Data were sourced through secondary sources; books, newspaper, journals and periodicals. Analysis of the data was done using content analysis. The paper revealed that poor management of borders contributed to the poor state of Nigeria's border thereby leading to illegal immigrants and the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons which has aided the growth of insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. We concluded that if Nigeria pay more attention on her national borders and take full control of movements and activities of immigrant as well as goods and services, insecurity in the country will be drastically checkmated in achieving secured internal security of the nation.