Drivers of Cross-Border Human Trafficking and Security in Seme-Idiroko Border Communities

Abstract

Cross-border human trafficking remains a significant challenge to effective fight against illicit trans-border movements through Seme-Idiroko borders. The purpose of this paper was to assess how drivers of cross-border human trafficking have undermined safety of individuals and compromised effective protection of Seme-Idiroko borders in order to mitigate the increasing spate of cross-border sex and labour trafficking in the border communities. The study was built around the structural conflict theory by Karl Marx in order to clearly understand the class character of the drivers of human trafficking. Using the Rakash sample size formula, a sample of 397 was determined from a population of 46,105 respondents comprising a target population from NAPTIP, NCS, and NIS in both Ogun and Lagos States; ONSA, Abuja and residents of Idiroko, Seme, Kpodji-Ague and Igolo border communities. Also, 15 respondents were selected from the sample size of the study using purposive sampling method. Data were collected using structured and open-ended questions as well as in-depth interview. Data were also collected from secondary source. Data from questionnaire were analysed using weighted average, while data from in-depth interview were analysed using narrative technique. Data from secondary source were analysed using relational-content analysis. Findings from the study revealed, among other things, that poverty, craving for better life and porous nature of Seme-Idirko borders are among drivers of cross-border human trafficking undermining security in Seme-Idiroko border communities. Among other things, it was recommended that the government should urgently embark on poverty alleviation programmes in Seme-Idiroko border communities with a view to mitigating drivers of cross-border human trafficking undermining security in the border communities.