Prevalence of Young Person Involvement in Smuggling of Goods in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative investigation into the prevalence of young persons' involvement in smuggling goods within the Badagry Local Government Area, a border community between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Drawing on the Anomie Theory, the study focused on individuals aged 15 to 35 years who are currently involved in smuggling or have been involved in the past, as well as older individuals who engaged in smuggling during their youth. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using content analysis and ethnographic summaries. The study found that smuggling is prevalent in border communities like Seme, Owode, and Apa; goods commonly smuggled included food items, clothes, fruits, fuel, and bags. Smuggling goods involved three parties, but many were in between the activity. Smuggling of goods is highest during festive periods, and smugglers suffer many consequences, including death, apprehension, and jail terms. Additionally, the study found that young smugglers often participated in other criminal activities, such as substance abuse and burglary. Given the increasing challenges of smuggling, especially in the digital age, the paper recommends that the government provide employment opportunities and empowerment programmes and that families engage in stricter socialisation. Security operatives have become more vigilant in managing the smuggling of goods.