Abstract:

This study examines Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties vis-à-vis the prevailing kidnapping, banditry in Nigeria, in order to ascertain whether Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties account for the deteriorating nature of national security in Nigeria, leading to incessant kidnapping and banditry in the country. The study is guided by a research question: Does Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties account for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, 2015-2021?. The study adopted Neo-functionalism theory of integration as its blue-print of understanding. We raised a hypothesis that: Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties accounted for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, 2015-2021. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analysing the documented materials generated through secondary source of data collection. Therefore, we recommended among other things the establishment of joint border task-force or patrol team for proper monitoring of the borders in order to curb the high incidence of trans-border crimes which thrives the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria. The establishment of border communities policing outfits (border community vigilante) whose monitoring responsibility complement the security agents at both the borders and within the bordering communities