International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in Nigeria: Re-structuring National Security Architecture for Optimal Results

Anthony Abah Ebonyi, Ph.D
Department of Sociology, APIS-University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract: The global community continues to grapple with Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) proliferation and their use in many conflicts. This phenomenon portends grave danger to world peace and security. This study seeks to achieve three objectives namely, trace the causes of small arms and light weapons proliferation in Nigeria, examine the security implications of the availability of SALWs in the country, and make a case for restructuring of the current security architecture. The study employs the desktop research design and, using content analysis of secondary data, including journal articles, agency reports, and seminar/conference papers, argues that the implications of SALWs proliferation on the nation’s security, such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling, are enormous and threaten the soul of the nation. It finds that porous borders, corruption, and globalization precipitate small arms and light weapons proliferation in Nigeria. It concludes that proliferation of SALWs is engendered by criminal networks operating in various shades and manners across Nigeria. Thus, to tackle the menace, the entire security architecture as currently composed should be re-structured by way of decentralisation and devolution of powers and authority to achieve optimal results.

Keywords: Architecture, National security, Nigeria, Light weapons, Small arms

I. INTRODUCTION

Small Arms and their proliferation generally is not a new phenomenon. However, the pattern, trend and consequences have been a major concern to the global community (Onuoha, 2012). The proliferation of arms became an enormous concern especially since after the Cold War and rivalry between the superpowers (Ola, 2018; Ayuba & Okafor, 2015), when the left-over arms from that war were shipped to other countries of the world subsequently making their way to parts of Africa, to fuel proxy inter-state conflicts (Salihu & Ozden, 2020). The arms, now in the hands of illegal arms dealers, security entrepreneurs, ethnic militia groups, private military companies, and local smugglers, are being employed for various old armed conflicts and to facilitate the emergence of new ones in Africa, leading to general insecurity and increased criminal violence (Mallam, 2014; Agbiboa, 2013). These small arms are the weapons being used today by various non-state actors in ethno-religious conflicts, insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling and arm robbery in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the south-south, north-west, northeast and central geopolitical zones (Onuoha, 2012).
Technological breakthroughs in recent times have brought about advancements in arms and weaponry technology resulting in smaller, more portable, and easy to operate systems which are capable of causing measured and graduated large-scale loss of lives (Small Arms Survey, 2011). These portable, easy to carry weapons and arms are generally referred to as small arms and light weapons (United Nations, 1997). Small Arms Survey (2011) statistics showed that globally,