VOlUME 04 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025
1Solomon Ayegba Usman, PhD, 2Saheed Ayinla Ogundare, PhD, 3Ousman Mamakeh Bojang, PhD, 4Amadou B. Jobarteh
1Department of Political Science, University of The Gambia, Faraba Banta Campus, The Gambia
2Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
3Directorate of Planning and Quality Assurance (Kanifing Campus), and Department of History, University of The Gambia (Faraba Banta Campus), The Gambia
4Department of Political Science, University of The Gambia, Faraba Banta Campus, The Gambia
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2025.v4i10n24Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT
Globalization, while fostering economic interdependence, technological advancement, and mobility across borders, has also facilitated the proliferation of transborder crimes in West Africa. This study examines the nexus between globalization and the surge of cross-border criminal activities in the region, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, cybercrime, and irregular migration. Drawing on empirical data from regional security reports, UNODC assessments, and ECOWAS monitoring frameworks, the paper analyzes how porous borders, weak institutional capacity, governance deficits, and socioeconomic inequalities interact with global networks of organized crime. The findings reveal that transnational criminal syndicates exploit advancements in transportation, communication, and trade liberalization to expand illicit markets and evade detection. Moreover, the convergence of globalization and local structural vulnerabilities has deepened security and developmental challenges, undermining state authority and regional stability. The study argues for a multidimensional response anchored in regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, harmonized legal frameworks, and strengthened law enforcement institutions. It concludes that addressing the globalization–crime nexus requires not only robust security mechanisms but also inclusive governance and socioeconomic reforms that tackle the root causes of vulnerability across West Africa.
KEYWORDS:Globalization, organized transborder crimes, West Africa, security, regional governance
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VOlUME 04 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025
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