SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW) PROLIFERATION AND CRIMES IN KADUNA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Research Problem: The excessive availability of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is obvious across Senatorial Districts of Kaduna state, Nigeria including Kaduna Central Senatorial District. This phenomenon has fueled the prevalence of crimes with profound implications for the socio-economic development of the District. Methods/Theory: The study adopts the theory of Differential Opportunity. A cross sectional research design was utilized to gather relevant information from the respondents. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, while the secondary data were obtained from journals, textbooks, and online publications. Utilizing Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of approximately 400 respondents was determined, with 347 valid questionnaires successfully retrieved for analysis.The data were analysed using descriptive statistics Results: The findings reveal that widespread availability of SALW stems from porous borders, illegitimate production of small arms, poverty, unemployment, marginalization, and other structural deficiencies. Crime remains prevalent in the study location. The socio-economic impacts of SALW proliferation and crimes include destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure, disruption of educational systems, loss of income, food insecurity and widespread human rights violation. Conclusion: The widespread SALW have fostered crime and negatively impacted socio-economic development of Kaduna Central Senatorial District of Kaduna state. Key Contribution and Recommendations: The study contributes to existing knowledge by highlighting the socio-economic consequences of SALW proliferation. It recommends that the governmentimplement critical initiatives such as investing in advanced surveillance technologies for comprehensive border security and addressingunderlying socio-economic challenges. These measures will help to curb SALW proliferation and crime, thereby promoting peace, security, stability, and socio-economic development in Kaduna Central Senatorial District.