Cross-Border Conflict Management Between Nigeria and Cameroon: A Practice-Oriented Analysis

This study presents a practice-oriented analysis of cross-border conflict management mechanisms between Nigeria and Cameroon, with specific reference to border communities in Cross River State, South South Nigeria, and the Adamawa corridor in the North East. Cross-border disputes involving fishing rights, cattle grazing, market access, and displacement of persons from the Anglophone Cameroon conflict create complex governance and security challenges that require structured bilateral management. The study employs a professional practice research framework, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with 30 Nigerian diplomatic officials, border community leaders, security personnel, and civil society practitioners who have managed cross-border conflicts in these zones between 2020 and 2024. Secondary analysis of Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission reports and the Lake Chad Basin Commission conflict management records provided documentary data. The theoretical framework draws from regional conflict management theory and bilateral diplomacy models. Findings indicate that while formal bilateral mechanisms such as the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission exist, response delays, communication gaps between federal frameworks and local conflict realities, and limited capacity of border security agencies in conflict de-escalation produce persistent management failures. Recommendations include deploying trained cross-border conflict management officers at major border crossings, establishing community-level bilateral peace committees along shared border zones, and integrating cross-border conflict training into the curricula of Nigerian security agencies. Keywords: cross-border conflict, Nigeria-Cameroon, Cross River State, bilateral management, border communities.