This paper examined the effects of proliferation of small arms and light weapons on national security in Nigeria. It utilized secondary sources of data as well as employed the critical theory to explain the relationship between proliferation of small arms and light weapons and national security in Nigeria.
The widespread demand, use and abuse of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria pose serious security and developmental challenges to the country. Some of the implications of this is that Government resources are diverted away from socio-economic and developmental projects to defense and security and human rights abuses which undermine human security are rife. For instance, Nigeria has spent over US$9billion since 2019 trying to curb insecurity this fund would have been channeled into education or health system to boost the welfare of the people.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Conceptual Framework
- Overview of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria
- Effects of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on National Security in Nigeria
- Challenges of Curbing Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament in Nigeria
- Strategies for Curbing the Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) on national security in Nigeria. It investigates the challenges in curbing this proliferation and proposes strategies for disarmament. The study utilizes secondary data sources and employs critical theory to analyze the relationship between SALW proliferation and national security.
- The extent and impact of SALW proliferation in Nigeria
- The effects of SALW proliferation on national security
- Challenges hindering disarmament efforts
- Strategies for curbing SALW proliferation and promoting disarmament
- Underlying socio-economic factors contributing to SALW proliferation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the pervasive threat posed by the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) to national and human security globally and in Nigeria. It highlights the devastating consequences of SALW, including mass shootings and high-level crimes, using examples such as the Christchurch mosque shootings and the high rate of mass shootings in the United States. The chapter establishes the significance of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, emphasizing its contribution to various forms of insecurity across the country, including banditry, terrorism, and separatist agitations. It sets the stage for the paper's investigation into the issue within the Nigerian context.
Conceptual Framework: This section defines small arms and light weapons (SALW) and analyzes the escalating trade in these weapons in Nigeria post-civil war. It underlines the alarming ease of access to SALW and their detrimental effects on national security. The chapter highlights how armed non-state actors leverage SALW to perpetrate various acts of violence, including banditry, terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and separatist agitations. The framework lays the groundwork for understanding the complex interplay between SALW and insecurity within the Nigerian context.
Overview of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: This chapter provides a general overview of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. It details the estimated number of SALW in the country, highlighting the disproportionate number held illegally by civilian non-state actors. The chapter likely presents data on the distribution of weapons between civilians and security forces, illustrating the scale of the problem. It sets the context for analyzing the effects of this proliferation on national security.
Effects of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on National Security in Nigeria: This chapter delves into the direct consequences of the widespread availability of SALW on Nigeria's national security. It explores the links between the proliferation of SALW and various security challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, separatist agitations, political violence, and illegal oil bunkering. The chapter will likely provide specific examples and evidence to support the connection between SALW and these threats.
Challenges of Curbing Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament in Nigeria: This section analyzes the obstacles hindering Nigeria's efforts to control the proliferation of SALW and achieve disarmament. It likely examines the limitations of government initiatives, highlighting factors such as a lack of capacity, outdated legal frameworks, and inadequate institutional mechanisms. The chapter will likely discuss the complexities involved in addressing the issue and the challenges in implementing effective disarmament programs.
Strategies for Curbing the Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament: This chapter outlines potential strategies to combat SALW proliferation and promote disarmament in Nigeria. It likely suggests improvements to border security, security sector reforms to prevent compromises of armouries, enhanced research, and effective gun recovery programs. The chapter emphasizes the need to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty, unemployment, socio-economic underdevelopment, and marginalization of citizens.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Proliferation of small arms and light weapons, security, national security, disarmament, Nigeria, violence, insecurity, challenges, strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in Nigeria
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview summarizes a paper examining the impact of small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation on national security in Nigeria. It covers the extent of the problem, its consequences, the challenges in addressing it, and potential strategies for disarmament.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the extent and impact of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, the effects on national security (linking SALW to issues like banditry, terrorism, and separatist movements), challenges hindering disarmament efforts, strategies for curbing proliferation and promoting disarmament, and underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the problem.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a conceptual framework, an overview of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, the effects of SALW proliferation on national security, challenges of curbing proliferation and disarmament, and strategies for curbing proliferation and disarmament.
What does the chapter on the "Overview of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria" cover?
This chapter provides a general overview of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, including estimated numbers of SALW, their illegal distribution among civilians, and the disparity between civilian and security force holdings. It sets the stage for analyzing the effects on national security.
How does the paper analyze the effects of SALW proliferation on national security?
The paper explores the direct consequences of SALW availability on Nigeria's national security, linking the proliferation to various security challenges like kidnapping, banditry, separatist agitations, political violence, and illegal oil bunkering. Specific examples and evidence are used to support these connections.
What are the main challenges in curbing SALW proliferation and achieving disarmament in Nigeria, according to the preview?
The preview highlights challenges such as limitations of government initiatives, inadequate capacity, outdated legal frameworks, insufficient institutional mechanisms, and the complexities involved in implementing effective disarmament programs.
What strategies for curbing SALW proliferation and promoting disarmament are suggested?
Suggested strategies include improvements to border security, security sector reforms to prevent compromises of armouries, enhanced research, effective gun recovery programs, and addressing root causes like poverty, unemployment, socio-economic underdevelopment, and marginalization.
What is the methodology used in the paper (as indicated in the preview)?
The preview mentions that the study uses secondary data sources and employs critical theory to analyze the relationship between SALW proliferation and national security.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Proliferation of small arms and light weapons, security, national security, disarmament, Nigeria, violence, insecurity, challenges, strategies.
What kind of examples are used in the introduction to illustrate the impact of SALW?
The introduction uses examples such as the Christchurch mosque shootings and the high rate of mass shootings in the United States to highlight the devastating consequences of SALW misuse.
What does the conceptual framework chapter cover?
This chapter defines small arms and light weapons (SALW), analyzes the escalating trade in these weapons post-civil war, highlights the ease of access, and shows how armed non-state actors use SALW to perpetuate violence (banditry, terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, separatist agitations).
- Quote paper
- Dr. Chinedu Udeh (Author), 2022, Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and National Security in Nigeria. Recipes for Disarmament, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1308325