Abstract: One of the actual obstacles to sustenance of stable peace and security in Nigeria is the existence and alarming rate in proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW). The small arms and light weapons proliferation stands a principal source of annihilation to human lives and property and worsen inter-communal clashes, resulting to serious violence. Most of the Nigerian borders are porous, therefore, giving room for easy influx, movement and exit of arms, human trafficking and drugs. However, high level of corruption in Nigeria constitutes the various security risks bedevilling the state. This study interrogates the threats posed by small arms and light weapons proliferation to the national security; it assesses the concerted efforts of the Nigerian government in combating the menace with a plan to proffer solutions on how to resolve the disheartening phenomenon. The study concludes that, the failing economy, insecurity, high rate of unemployment, poverty, failure of government to provide basic necessities of life and corruption stand as a cog in the wheel to appreciable efforts and policies at arresting the menace in the country. It also submits that there is need for collaborative efforts at each level of governance; local, state and federal governments in Nigeria to solve the problem in addition to the imperative role of security agencies for sustenance of the nation’s peace and security.
Keywords: Small arms, Light weapons, Insurgency, Proliferation, Arms control.
Title: SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION AND ITS THREATS TO NIGERIA’S INTERNAL SECURITY
Author: Abiodun, Temitope Francis (Ph.D), Ayo-Adeyekun, Ifeoluwa, Onafowora, Oluwasolape (Ph.D), Nwannenaya, Chukwuyere (Ph.D)
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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