BORDER SECURITY, THE INTELLIGENCE CYCLE AND ITS ADAPTABILITY BY THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

Abstract

Intelligence cycle is an integral aspect of intelligence security system due to its cyclical processes which is all embracing particularly from intelligence conceptualization, collection, analysis, production, dissemination to utilization. These concepts largely constitute the core components of intelligence cycle processes, and they are intricately linked and interdependent with regard to border security maintenance and national security interest of any given nation. Also, the interdependent nature of intelligence cycle processes is rooted in the increasing trans-nationalization of security threats along border posts and the new global demand for more cooperation and coordination among security agencies. However, the consistent variations in the intelligence cycle working definitions has become profound through the existence of different scholarly views both on its concept and practicability across the world. This study therefore is important because it is an attempt at examining intelligence cycle model being employed by the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Thus, it concludes that intelligence cycle operations, dynamism and challenges can best be understood in its specific context, be it Nigeria or other countries in the world. On this basis, the study adopts both qualitative and quantitative approach in its data analysis.