Seme Border, Nigeria: Safety and Collective Vulnerability

The induced border closure at Seme Border, Nigeria, on March 23, 2020 is just one among other closures carried out from 1984-2020. The closure brings to the fore issues of safety and collective vulnerability of the border communities and the existing coping mechanisms for addressing their fears. In the absence of constructive engagement with the vulnerable, the people often resorted to self-help by creating alternate routes (bush paths and waterways) thereby rendering the securitisation of border security (Border Drill) management ineffectual. In decision-making and for a successful implementation, it is important to allow for a buy-in from those affected by such policy.