Border porosity, arms proliferation and the Cameroonian refugee crisis in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the nexus between border porosity, arms proliferation, and the Cameroonian refugee crisis in Cross River State, Nigeria. Since the escalation of the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon, Cross River State has emerged as a major destination for refugees, owing largely to its long, poorly regulated borders and shared ethnic and socio-economic ties. The paper argues that porous borders not only facilitate the movement of displaced persons but also enable the transnational flow of small arms and light weapons, thereby intensifying local insecurity. Using mixed methods research design, a sample size of 399 respondents was selected across two Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria, and ten (10) key informant interviews guide were also used for the study. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire and key informant interview. Quantitative data retrieved was analyzed using simple linear regression, while qualitative data was analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results revealed that there is a significant relationship between porous border and arms proliferation associated with refugee influx has contributed to rising communal tensions, criminality, and the militarization of local conflicts, threatening both human and national security. The study further highlights the vulnerability of refugee populations who are often caught between humanitarian needs and securitized state responses. It concludes that addressing the Cameroonian refugee crisis in Cross River State requires an integrated approach combining strengthened border governance, regional security cooperation, arms control mechanisms and refugee protection frameworks. The paper contributes to policy debates on managing displacement and insecurity in borderland communities of Nigeria and West Africa.