The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recently detained and deported a group of 62 Malian nationals for illegal entry into the country. The group, consisting of 51 men and 11 women, were escorted from the NIS headquarters in Abuja to the Illela Border in Sokoto by a team of officers led by Inspector Mamoud Sadiq.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing concerns surrounding irregular migration across West Africa’s porous borders and the increased scrutiny of regional movement. The surge in illegal migration from Mali is attributed to the country’s political instability, with frequent shifts between civilian and military rule. The latest coup in May 2021 led to limited political freedoms and poor economic conditions, prompting many Malians to seek better opportunities abroad.
As of February 2023, Mali hosted over 63,000 refugees and nearly 900 asylum seekers, further fueling irregular migration due to porous borders and weak enforcement. Additionally, natural disasters like flooding have displaced over 73,000 people, particularly in the Ségou region, where urgent hygiene and health needs persist.
Nigeria, on the other hand, faces significant challenges with cross-border migration from neighboring countries. In 2024 alone, the government deported 828 illegal immigrants for various immigration infractions, often triggered by insecurity and internal crises in migrants’ home countries. The country’s porous borders facilitate cross-border movements, with little to no physical demarcation in many border towns, enabling the free flow of people and illicit goods.
The unchecked flow of arms and weapons, particularly along the border with the Benin Republic, poses a serious security threat. Militants from Cameroon launch periodic attacks from the east, while the highly porous border with Niger and Chad in the north presents additional security challenges. Burkina Faso and Mali in the northwest also contribute to regional instability, with over 320 unmanned illegal routes serving as conduits for contraband, illicit drugs, and weapons into Nigeria.
These security challenges highlight the need for enhanced border control measures to safeguard national security and public safety. Addressing the root causes of irregular migration, such as political instability and economic hardship in neighboring countries, is crucial in mitigating these threats and fostering regional stability.
