Merchants of terror: Proliferation of small arms and light weapons and human security challenges in Nigeria

ABSTRACTIn recent years, Nigeria’s security architecture has deteriorated due to conflicts and acts of violent extremism by non-state actors in possession of SALWs. Therefore, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons have resulted in armed conflicts, the displacement of people, organized crimes, and acts of terrorism, thereby undermining the peace, development, and human security of Nigerians, and by extension, Africa. The easy accessibility, destructiveness, simplicity and usability of the SALWs have made them appealing and a preferred choice for organized criminal groups and violent extremists resulting in huge human security challenges for Nigeria. In this context, the study examines the impact of the proliferation of SALWs and the peace, security, and development of Nigeria. The main interests are to first understand the intersectionality between the proliferation of SALWs and human security, and secondly to unpack the causes, channels, and casualties of the proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria. The author will also discuss the pattern and strategy of governmental response(s) to the proliferation of SALWs. The study recommends the adoption of a grand-national strategy comprising of governance-security nexus as a panacea to stem the tide of the illegal proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria.KEYWORDS: ProliferationSmall armsLight weaponsHuman securityNigeria Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 Dokubo, C. The Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Africa: Implications for Sub-regional security.2 Stemmet, A. Regulating Small Arms and Light weapons.3 McCullum, H. Small Arms: The World’s favourite weapons of mass destruction.4 Kumar, S. 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Nigeria’s Border Closure haven’t served their Purpose.52 The Cable, Buhari: Border Closure failed to stop Smuggling of Illegal Arms into Nigeria.53 Ifeadi, E.B.U. Cross Border Security Threats and Developmental Challenges for Africa: A Nigerian Immigration Service, 245.54 Adepegba, A., Baiyewu, L. & Hanafi, A. Arms Proliferation worsens Insecurity as Firearms Bills Suffer Delay.55 Nextier SPD, Need for Arms.56 Akpuru-Aja, A. Insurgency and Terrorism in Africa: A study of Some Recent Trends.57 Ojewale, O. & Onuoha, F.C. Violence in Nigeria’s South-east Demands a Holistic Response.58 Nextier SPD, Need for Arms.59 Ifeadi, E.B.U. Cross Border Security Threats and Developmental Challenges for Africa: A Nigerian Immigration Service Perspective.Additional informationNotes on contributorsUchenna A. AjaUchenna A. Aja he has published several works in reputable national and international journals. His research interest spans issues on Security Studies, Insurgency & Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crimes, Peace and Conflict Processes and Diplomacy studies.