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.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS
2.2 NATIONAL SECURITY
2.3 DISARMAMENT
3.0 Overview OF PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS and LIGHT WEAPONS IN NIGERIA
4.0. EFFECTS OF THE PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA
5.0 CHALLENGES OF CURBING PROLIFERATION OF SALW AND DISARMAMENT IN NIGERIA
6.0 Strategies for Curbing the Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament
7.0 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study investigates the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria and its detrimental impact on national security. It employs a critical theory approach to analyze how socio-economic structures and underdevelopment fuel the demand and unregulated circulation of these weapons.
- The scope of SALW proliferation and the illicit arms trade in Nigeria
- Consequences of arms proliferation on national stability and economic development
- Analysis of the institutional and regulatory challenges in disarmament efforts
- Strategic recommendations for border control and security sector reform
- The roles of civil society and research communities in curbing arms trafficking
Excerpt from the Book
1.0 Introduction
The menace of proliferation and mishandling of small and light weapons has posed serious threat to human and national security in many countries. Through war, homicide and suicide, small arms and light weapons (SALW) accounts for much death and injury around the world. Proliferation of SALW has to a large extent undermined security of lives and property in recent times. High level crimes have resulted in monumental devastations in countries around the world. For example, On March 15th, 2019, an Australian immigrant identified as a white supremacist carried out shootings at the two mosques during Friday worship in Christchurch, New Zealand leaving scores of Muslim worshippers dead and others injured. According to reports, over 300 mass shootings have occurred in the United States leaving hundreds of people dead or injured. This has continued to form the debates over the country’s gun laws.
The intersection of small arms, light weapons and insecurity has been an object of discourse in the academia. While some group of scholars argues that small arms and light weapons are engineers of insecurity, others are of the notion that small arms are merely trigger of insecurity or precipitating factor. However, the crossroad of these two schools of thought is that the increase in small arms and light weapons establishes a serious challenge to the sustenance of peace and stability of any society. In fact, they are of the notion that availability of small arms has direct influence on the escalation and intensification of insecurity.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: Provides an overview of the global and local threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and outlines the scope of the study.
2.0 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Clarifies essential terminology, including the definitions of SALW, national security, and the theoretical perspective used to examine the issue.
3.0 Overview OF PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS and LIGHT WEAPONS IN NIGERIA: Details the history of civil arms possession and the rise of contemporary arms trafficking in Nigeria.
4.0. EFFECTS OF THE PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA: Examines the direct impact of arms on crime, community conflicts, and the national economy.
5.0 CHALLENGES OF CURBING PROLIFERATION OF SALW AND DISARMAMENT IN NIGERIA: Discusses the systemic failures and logistical challenges hindering effective disarmament.
6.0 Strategies for Curbing the Proliferation of SALW and Disarmament: Proposes multi-dimensional policy interventions including border reform and gun recovery programs.
7.0 Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of proportional armament for national security and the need to end unlawful weapon possession by non-state actors.
Keywords
Proliferation of small arms and light weapons, SALW, national security, Disarmament, Nigeria, Arms trafficking, Border control, Security sector reform, Critical theory, Insurgency, Banditry, Gun recovery, Civil society, Small arms, Economic development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
This work examines the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria and evaluates how this phenomenon destabilizes national security, economic development, and social cohesion.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The text focuses on the history of small arms in Nigeria, the impact of weapons on crime and community conflicts, the obstacles to effective disarmament, and strategic policy recommendations for the government.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The research aims to identify the socio-economic drivers of arms proliferation and propose sustainable solutions, such as security sector reforms and better border governance, to mitigate the misuse of SALW.
Which theoretical approach is applied?
The author uses critical theory to explain how existing social structures, poverty, and unemployment in Nigeria foster an environment where the demand and misuse of weapons flourish.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main sections analyze the definition of SALW, the specific effects of arms on Nigeria’s security and economic sectors, challenges in enforcement, and actionable strategies for disarmament.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include disarmament, national security, SALW, arms trafficking, security sector reform, border governance, and Nigeria's security challenges.
What is the significance of the 1959 Firearms Act?
It is cited as an early legislative attempt to regulate arms proliferation in Nigeria as the country moved toward independence, though it proved insufficient to curb later developments.
How does the author characterize the role of DICON?
The author argues that DICON, as the only legal manufacturer, should be given a sole mandate for the production, import, and distribution of arms to ensure better accountability and monitoring.
Why are borders considered a major challenge for disarmament?
The author highlights the porous, lengthy, and poorly defined nature of Nigerian borders, which facilitates the flow of illicit weapons through over 1,400 illegal routes.
How did historical events influence contemporary arms proliferation?
The author notes that the legacy of failed post-civil war disarmament programs exacerbated the circulation of weapons, which transitioned from symbols of status to modern instruments of criminality.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Chinedu Udeh (Autor), 2022, Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and National Security in Nigeria. Recipes for Disarmament, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1308325
