Managing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons for Nigeria’s national security

Abstract It is observed that the smuggling and circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) is increasing in leaps and bounds in Nigeria. The proliferation of SALWs has threatened national security as non-state armed groups and criminal networks are gaining access to and freely using SALWs to attack civilians and public goods in Nigeria. While most of the existing studies have linked the proliferation to porous borders (lack of border security), there is limited focus on supply and demand-side of SALWs in Nigeria. Thus, this paper examines the impact of supply–demand forces of SALWs and porous border on the proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria, and their implications on national security. This paper is anchored on supply and demand model of SALWs. Data were sourced from the Nigeria’s National Security Strategy (NSS) through Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM-SALW). Also, data from the United Nations Officer on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Small Arms Survey (SAS) were used. In addition, data were obtained from Newspapers and Online News Portals such as Premium Times, the Guardian Nigeria, Daily Trust and Vanguard for reports on arms smuggling and security incidents. Also, the investigative reports of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch were used. In addition, relevant academic sources were used. The analysis revealed that the current socio-economic (such as high rate of poverty and inequality) and political conditions (marginalisation of specific groups, communities or regions) in Nigeria have led to the emergence of armed groups and criminal networks such as Boko Haram, militia groups (Bandits), MASSOB, IPOB among others. Also, the porous borders make it easy for these groups to smuggle SALWs into Nigeria from their suppliers. Based on the findings, the paper concluded that adverse socio-economic and political conditions in Nigeria is responsible for increased demand for SALWs; and the presence of porous borders or weak border management facilitates smuggling and circulation of SALWs in Nigeria. Therefore, the paper recommends that Nigerian government should make efforts to address the drivers responsible for increased demand for SALWs; and formulate adequate measures such as border patrol using technological gadgets among others to block smuggling and circulation of SALWs into the country.