DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.188198.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Porous Borders, Insurgent Mobility, and Governance Fragmentation in the Lake Chad Basin: Evidence from the Garin-Gada and Maine-Soroa Corridor, 2020-2025

Umar Inuwa Musa, Dimas Garba
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The Study focuses on Garin-Gada (Nigeria) and Maine-Soroa (Niger Republic) border corridor which is a strategically important yet understudied section of the Lake Chad Basin where porous borders, insurgent mobility, and weak governance continue to undermine regional security. This study examines the factors sustaining insecurity in the corridor between January 2020 and June 2025. Methods: The study employs a qualitative design based on secondary data. It was anchored on the Regional Security Complex Theory, which was used to assess the ripple effects of porous borders on regional security. Data were obtained from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and published reports from governmental and international organizations. The data were analyzed through thematic and documentary analysis to identify patterns of insurgent movement, border governance, displacement, and regional security cooperation. Results: The findings identify five major patterns. First, the corridor functions as a key route for insurgent mobility. Second, informal cross-border trade networks provide opportunities for insurgent infiltration and logistical support. Third, the corridor forms part of a trans-Sahel arms trafficking route, with substantial increases in recorded weapons seizures during the study period. Fourth, large-scale population displacement has created governance gaps that facilitate insurgent activities. Finally, regional security cooperation has been weakened by divergent national interests, including changes in the participation of member states in joint security arrangements. Conclusions: Persistent insecurity in the Garin-Gada and Maine-Soroa corridor is driven by the interaction of porous borders, cross-border social networks, insurgent adaptability, and fragmented governance. The findings recommended that Strengthening coordinated border management, intelligence sharing, community-based security, and regional cooperation is essential for improving security and governance across the Lake Chad Basin.

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