SMALL AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA
Samuel OlugbengaOjo
Department of Peace & Conflict Studies,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (Fuoye),Oye-Ekiti. Ekiti State. Nigeria.Emails: pastorgbengaojo@ymail.com or olugbengaojo.ojo@fuoye.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
The escalating use of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has wreaked havoc across West Africa. SALWs, especially those used by Nigeria, are to blame for the carnage, criminality, and violence in that country and elsewhere in Africa. There is an increase in insecurity across Nigeria as a result of weapons proliferation. This study was motivated by the necessity to analyse the causes, implications, and solutions to the spread of Small and Light Weapons. The study was predicated on a combination of the theories of relative autonomy of the state and the theory of failed states. Data was collected through the use of secondary sources such as books, academic journals, and other publications. The study found among others that Illegal arms proliferation fuels crime, militancy, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency. Homicide rates could rise as a result of an increase in the availability and accessibility of firearms. Many innocent Nigerians have died have died as a result of ethnic and religious clashes and violent robberies involving SALWs. Based on the above findings appropriate recommendations were made on how to mitigate the proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria
Keywords: Proliferation, Security, Weapons. Light Weapons, Small Arms.
