Abstract
This research work was undertaken to examine the role of community policing in controlling
Cross Border Crimes. These crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling of Small Arms and
Light Weapons and trafficking in narcotises have effects on the security of affected counties
like Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Togo. Dealing with these problems has become a source
of major concern to the states to have the need to come together to control these crime. The
work was intended to achieve the following objectives: To identify cross border crimes in
Nigeria; to critically examine the effect of cross border crimes on the security of Nigeria; To
assess the roles of community policing in controlling cross border crimes; To identify the
strategies of community policing in curbing border crimes and to identify the problems of
community policing in controlling cross border crimes. The scope of the study was limited to
the overall objectives, which was from 2004- 2009 and three border crimes w
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
States boundaries, especially between different sovereign nations are known for their
dispositions to facilitate crimes (Whitmore B, 1994). These sovereign states boundaries
function as separators, rather than integrators. The familiar phenomena of parallel and
characteristically contrastive legal system and law enforcement procedures subsisting on the
different sides not only tend to criminalize innocent cross borders and local communities, but
also they render administration and policing challenges. Hence, cross border crime is an
international phenomenon. Cross border crimes have constituted international threats to
national security, because they affect economic security and lead to underdevelopment.
Available literatures on cross border crimes shows that most states are aware of cross
border crimes and its effects on their nation. For instance, (Maetens, 2007) argued that the
problems of cross border crimes – human trafficking, trafficking in Small and Light weapons
and others are factors that make the Caribbean countries and their economies most
vulnerable. The seriousness of these problems has caused the government of this region to
explore innovative policy responses at both national and international level to come out with
approaches to address crimes (Maetens Frank, 2007).
Cross border crimes which have been present in Nigeria became more pronounced
towards the end of the 19th century. Although without much empirical evidence, Nigerian
criminals are counted among top ranking global syndicates (Bayard James, 1999). Even if
the global ranking could be debatable, there is evidence that Nigeria has been witnessing a
spate of unprecedented crime waves in general and in cross border crimes in particular. For
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example, the arrest of a top Nigerian professional, a pilot of the Nigerian Airways was
arrested for human trafficking while on international flight to the United States. Also, in
South Africa, a Nigerian syndicate group had been arrested for luring an American to South
Africa with a mouth-watering business deal only to kidnap him and demand ransom on
arrival (Barkindo, 2007).
The dilemmas that Nigeria faces with insecurities call for critical investigation of
border entry points whether they are performing their strategic functions (Willie, 2008).
Nigeria has over the years engaged in the deportation of some illegal Aliens back to their
country and even engaged in the closure and reopening of borders on the ground of trying to
protect national security. The National Security of Nigeria have been constantly threatened
by activities of cross border crimes, some Nigerians, involving the smuggling of petroleum
products and other essential commodities like drugs, beverages, which constitute economic
threat to Nigerian economy. Similarly, the dominance of substandard goods, fake drugs and
prohibited items in local markets call to question the very essence and effectiveness of
government fiscal policies and the implementation process involving chains of security
agencies at our national border.
Nigeria, despite avalanches of insecurities must remain open to movement of people,
goods and services if they are to prosper. At the same time, openness without credible
controls makes it possible for emerging threats of cross border crimes including terrorism to
strive (Willie, 2008).
The security situations in state boundaries have become increasingly worrisome, most
especially in the wake of cross border crimes. This is added to the more familiar
manifestations, such as smuggling as a result of the adverse effects of the Structural
Adjustment Programme (SAP) of 1986 which forced an increase in price of virtually every
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commodity in Nigeria (Anthony A., 1999). Contrabands also witnessed unprecedented
upsurge in scale and dimensions. Massive and ever expanding re- exportation of officially
banned goods into Nigeria, such as second hand vehicles, clothing and processed Asian rice.
In the other direction, large scale illegal exportation of petroleum and petroleum products,
cross border passengers of small arms and light weapons as well as narcotics, are equally
posing threats to national security.
Indeed, the incidence of cross border crimes has ruffled many features in recent times.
Aside from their threat to political and socio- economic health of Nigeria and the stable
existence of the sub-region, cross border crimes have put question marks on law enforcement
agencies. This situation in our borderlands has become unbearable, consequently, the Federal
Government of Nigeria was forced to close down the Western border (Nigeria Benin) for a
week- August 9th to August 15th, 2013 (Eigege, E.Y. (2006). In the same manner, it also
occasioned a special resolution of the Senate sponsored by members from the affected
constituencies in the Northeast, calling on the presidency to mount similar diplomatic
pressure on Chad, Cameroon and Niger, widely believed to provide asylum for the miscreant
(Eigege, E.Y. 2006).
Therefore on April 27, 2004, the Nigerian police force (NPF) in the context of a
special national summit on crimes in Abuja launched its community policing programme as
its operational initiatives for combating the ever increasing waves in international boundaries
(Julius Ihonvbere, 2011).
Mexico, has also adopted community policing in some of its states in recent times,
and it too has a history of decentralised police structures (albeit this decentralisation in
policing is shaped by the organisation of the country as a federation made up of 32 federative
entities). However, this is a country in the midst of a worsening security crisis and with an
endemic and widespread problem of serious and organized crime (Shirk, 2011).
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The majority of Mexicans have little confidence in the police (only around 30% are
confident in the police according to the World Values Survey 2005-2008), and 30% are afraid
of victimisation or maltreatment by the police (CIDE, 2010). In 2010 the number of recorded
homicides was the highest ever in its modern history (more than 15,000 deaths, mostly
attributed directly to organised crime, according to the Federal Government, 2010).
In Mexico, the community policing was formulated to control crimes at the
international boundaries. The border communities come together in order to eradicate crimes.
Community policing is one of the most significant developments in policing and the notion
has been widely discussed and applied around the world, for example, in Nigeria and
Cameroon, where cross border crimes has been very rampant. These two countries had to
come together to form a strategy with the communities in order to eradicate the crimes
associated with their territory (Rosenbaum, D. 1987).
The movement towards community policing has gained momentum in recent years as
police and community leaders search for more effective ways to promote public safety and to
enhance the quality of life in their neighbourhoods. Community policing strategies vary
depending on the needs and responses of the community are involved.
The problems of the community police such as poor community relations, corruption
and extortion, lack of proper resource management, inadequate funding, poor remuneration,
inadequate arms and ammunitions, lack of integrity, police brutality and harassment of
innocent citizens, are such that makes it easy for the actors to carry out crimes such as Human
trafficking, Smuggling in Small Arms and Light Weapons, drugs trafficking, and many other
cross border crimes in Nigeria. Thus, the police together with the communities come together
in order to find strategies on how to control these crimes.
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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Cross border crimes represent a number of notorious criminal activities carried out by
individuals and organized groups across international boundaries for political and economic
benefits. These crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling of Small Arms and Light
Weapons and trafficking in narcotises have effects on the security of affected counties like
Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Togo. Dealing with these problems has become a source of
major concern to the states to hence the need to come together to control these crimes. It is
against this backdrop that this study tries to examine the roles of community policing in
curbing cross border crimes.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of the study is to uncover the roles of community policing in
controlling cross border crimes. The specific objectives are:
1. To identify cross border crimes in Nigeria.
2. To critically examine the effect of cross border crimes on the security of Nigeria.
3. To assess the roles of community policing in controlling cross border crimes.
4. To identify the strategies of community policing in curbing border crimes.
5. To identify the problems of community policing in controlling cross border crimes.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. Which are the cross border crimes that affect Nigeria?
2. What are the effects of these crimes on the security of Nigeria?
3. What role does community policing play in controlling cross border crimes?
4. What are the strategies of community policing for curbing border crimes?
5. What are the problems of community policing in controlling cross border crimes?
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1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
1. H1: there are cross border crimes in Nigeria.
H0: there are no cross border crimes in Nigeria.
2. H1: there are effects of cross border crimes on the security of Nigeria.
H0: there are no effects of cross border crimes on the security of Nigeria.
3. H1: community policing plays a role in controlling cross border crimes
H0: community policing does not play a role in controlling cross border crimes.
4. H1: there are strategies of community policing for curbing border crimes.
H0: there are no strategies for community policing in curbing cross border crimes.
5. H1: community policing have challenges.
H0: community policing does have any challenges.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is of importance as it updates previous study on cross border crimes,
filling some gaps discovered in literature on the topic. This study creates awareness on the
strategies of community policing for curbing cross border crimes. It will update individuals
on the roles of community policing in controlling border crimes. It will also serves as
reference material for future researchers on cross border crimes issues. It will help the
government in formulating policies for the police in combating cross border crimes.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This project work focuses on three cross border crimes in Nigeria: human trafficking,
smuggling in Small Arms and Light Weapons and Trafficking in narcotises as well as the
roles of community policing in curbing cross border crimes. The study covers the period
between 2009- 2014. This period marked the era in which cross border crimes grew in
intensity and posed a great threat to national security.
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1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study was primarily limited by its small sample size.the sample was limited to
one hundred and fifty persons. An ealier start in data collection would have increased the
time needed to survery more participants. More contact betweem the researcher and the target
would have increased paticipation. The time period was also limited to five years, additional
time period would have given the researcher the opportunity to discover cross border crimes
during that period.
1.9 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY
This research work was organized and presented in five chapters, with the general
introduction constituting the first chapter, chapter two is literature review, and chapter three
is research methodology. Chapter four is data presentation and analysis while chapter five is
summary of findings, conclusion and necessary recommendations.
1.10 DEFINITON OF TERMS
? Cross border crime: it represents a number of illegal and notorious activities carried
out by individuals and groups across international boundaries, either for financial,
political and economic benefits.
? Crime: it is activity that does not recognised or even respects sovereignty or
territorial boundaries.
? Community policing: community policing can be defined as bringing policing
closer to citizens whose lives and property are supposed to be protected.
? Human trafficking: consisting of an action of recruitment, transportation, transfer
and harbouring of persons by means of threats of force, coercion for the purpose of
exploitation which includes the prostitution of others, forced labour.
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? Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW): it is limited to things like revolver,
pistols, shot guns, carbines light machine guns and hard grenade.
? Smuggling and trafficking of drugs: it consist of an action and an illegal smuggling
of drugs like cocaine into a county.