Previous studies on regionalism in West Africa affirm that one of the reasons
for integration in the region is the selfish political interests of Nigeria. However, the
benefits of regional cooperation amongst West African states cannot be sacrificed on
the altar of the political interests of Nigeria as previously claimed. Undoubtedly, the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has embarked on different
integration schemes to foster cooperation and development among member-states; the
most important among all is the Free Movement Protocol. Although existing literature
has investigated the benefits and effectiveness of the protocol in West African Subregion. Studies on the security implications of the Free Movement Protocol for the
region are scanty. This study interrogates the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol vis -Ã vis trans-border security in West Africa and expands the frontiers of this area of study.