Small Arms Proliferation in West Africa: Implications for Nigeria's National Security

Abstract

In recent years, the attention of the world seems to be diverted to small arms and light weapons due to numerous numbers of lives they have claimed. It is estimated that small arms claims 1300 lives daily globally. The presence of illicit small arms and their excessive and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world have a wide range of humanitarian and socio-economic consequences. Most disturbing is that it poses a threat to peace, security and sustainable development at the individual, local, national, regional and international levels. This study examined the relationship between small arms proliferation phenomenon and national security. The causes and nature of small arms proliferation in the West African sub-region in general and its prevalence in Nigeria were examined. Also, implications of small arms proliferation for Nigeria's national security were analysed and measures at curbing the menace suggested. Literatures and other relevant documents on small arms were collected and analysed while interviews conducted with various stakeholders. From the research it was established that there is prevalence of small arms in the sub-region in general and Nigeria in particular. The sources of these arms were identified as the Nigerian civil war, smuggling, and pilferage from security agencies amongst others. In addition, reasons for the proliferation include poverty, unemployment, marginalisation, resource control agitation and ethno-religious issues. The implication on the political, economic, social and security of Nigeria is stalled development. Finally, based on the findings of the study, control measures both at the regional and national levels were recommended. Some of which are holistic security sector reforms, weapons recovery programme, development programme, and review of the Firearms Act of 1958. Others include harmonisation of laws in the region and enforcement of ECOWAS Moratorium among members. These were viewed as panacea to curtailing arms proliferation at the national and regional levels to guarantee security, which is a necessary pre-requisite for development. Some of the proposed implementation strategies include training, equipping and increasing the strength of border security agencies. Others are allocating funds for weapon buy-back programme and en"orcing the ECOWAS moratorium among states.