Assessment of The State Security Actors' Response To Goods Smuggling In YewaRegion, Ogun State

Abstract

ABSRACT
This study assesses the response of state security actors towards eradicating goods smuggling in Nigeria especially
among the people of Yewa region of Ogun State. The study objectives are to identify categories of pronounced or
popular goods smuggling; identify major routes for goods smuggling; and identifying major principal state security
actors in charge of anti-goods smuggling. Relevant literature was reviewed, while secondary and primary data
collection sources were equally used to obtain useful and relevant information for the study. Tables and simple
discussion were used to present and analyse the collected data; it was discovered that about 90% to 94% youths
between the ages of 18 to 53 are usually involved in the goods smuggling activities in the study area with about 66%
rice and 20% frozen foods (Turkey and Chicken) identified as the major types of goods and services for smuggling.
The Study also revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)is the major and principal state security actor in
charge of anti-goods smuggling activities in the study area. At the same time, Sango-Atan/Ota-Owode-Idiroko and
Papalanto-Ilaro-Oja/Odan-Ohunbe axes were identified as the major/popular routes for the goods smuggling
activities. Conclusively, the study recommended, among others, the creation of an enabling and suitable
environment for the establishment of manufacturing industries for job opportunities for the youths as well as regular
public enlightenment for community members on the anti-smuggling functions of state security actors.