Cross boarder Crime in the ECOWAS subregion and it's implications on the Socio-economic Development of Nigeria

This study examines the phenomenon of cross-border crimes within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and their implications for the socio-economic development of Nigeria between 2019 and 2023. Anchored on the Transnational Crime Theory, the research adopts a qualitative approach relying on secondary data sourced from scholarly journals, official reports, policy documents, and relevant literature. The study identifies major forms of cross-border crimes affecting Nigeria to include trafficking in small arms and light weapons, drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling of goods, terrorism, and cybercrime. Findings reveal that these crimes have significantly undermined national security, weakened governance institutions, reduced government revenue, discouraged foreign investment, and disrupted legitimate economic activities, particularly in border communities. The proliferation of illicit arms and porous borders has intensified violence, insecurity, and socio-economic instability, while smuggling and illicit trade have resulted in substantial revenue losses and decline in local industries. The study further highlights weak border management, corruption, poverty, and inadequate regional cooperation as key drivers sustaining cross-border criminal networks. It concludes that combating cross-border crimes in the ECOWAS sub-region requires strengthened regional collaboration, improved border security mechanisms, capacity building for law enforcement agencies, and the deployment of modern surveillance technologies. The study contributes to policy discourse by providing insights for security agencies, policymakers, and scholars on enhancing regional security and promoting sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria.Keywords: Cross boarder, Crime, Socio-economic, Development, ECOWAS