ASSESSING THE IMPLICATION OF UNCONTROLLED PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS USED FOR KIDNAPPING AS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) has become one of the most urgent security and developmental challenges globally. However, in Africa, the uncontrolled proliferation and widespread availability of small arms is a development that is affecting virtually every country within the continent and poses threats to domestic or national security. The objective of this work is to examine the implications of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons for kidnapping as a national security challenge in Nigeria. This study approaches the study from the state fragility theoretical perspective. Secondary method of data collection was employed. The finding from the research points to the fact that one of the major reasons for arms proliferation in Nigeria is the porosity of the borders. This is because the border security is compromised and there is a lot of shady dealing between the personnel and smugglers. The issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons through the porous borders will continue to pose serious challenge to the Nigeria’s national security due to the fact that there is always interagency rivalry at vast border points. Another finding is that most of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons into the country are from neighboring countries and they used to exacerbate kidnapping in the country. Based on the above, the paper recommended that the Nigerian government should adopt the application of technology in her national security policies. E-border management and other advanced surveillance mechanism should be introduced by the government; patrol vehicles and other scientific materials should be procured for monitoring of both governed and ungoverned vast border area.