Illegal trafficking of artefacts and traditional art works in Nigeria. A security threat

This study attempts to examine the illegal trafficking of Artefacts and traditional art works as a security threat. It also addresses various views by some Nigerian scholars on this issue. The ways at curbing the notorious activities of looters or plunders is analyzed, some looted works are assessed using about two art historical approaches, formalism and Iconography. Illegal trafficking of the above mentioned items is not new in historical studies but the dimension it has assumed in the country, is of great concern. The need to find newer ways at controlling this canker worm is of urgent necessity.