Proliferation Of Small Arms Research Articles

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.

The Role of Community Radios in Changing Perceptions of Cattle Rustling Communities in Turkana County, Kenya

Cattle rustling has constantly devastated and disrupted normal livelihoods of the pastoral community in Turkana. Traditionally, cattle rustling is a growing phenomenon and was perceived as a cultural activity through which cattle were raided to pay dowry among Turkana communities. However, in society today, cattle rustling has taken a different dimension altogether! It is characterized by the proliferation of sophisticated small arms in the wrong hands of bandits, which has resulted in wanton and reckless killings, children and women maimed, and property destroyed. To bring to an end the escalating challenges bedeviling the pastoralist community, as a result of persistent banditry in Turkana, In this regard, the study investigated the role played by community radios like Ekeyokon and Echami on changing perceptions of pastoralists in providing a long-lasting solution to the menace. The four objectives of the study were, first, to explain the extent to which community radio programs change perceptions of communities on cattle rustling. Second, to examine the role stakeholders play in providing an enabling environment for community radio stations to change perceptions of cattle-rustling communities. Third, to appraise the strategies the stakeholders put in place to leverage on the community radio stations, and finally, to evaluate the challenges community radio stations face in changing perceptions of communities on cattle rustling in Turkana. A descriptive research design was used in the study. Target population was 400,000 listeners. A sample size of 400 was determined using the Lamola and Yamane formula. Purposive sampling was used to identify the pastoralist community. A simple random sampling technique was also used to identify 5 radio editors, program producers, chair MCK-Turkana, County Director of Peace, and a representative of the Peace partner. Agenda-setting theory was used to evaluate the research problem. On data collection, the study administered a structured questionnaire and key informant interview schedule. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26 and content analysis were used to analyze data. The study concluded that community radio in Turkana was the only powerful game-changer that influences pastoralists’ mindsets and social behavior on cattle rustling. The study recommended the county government intentionally establish a Community Media Fund to effectively support community radios to change pastoralists’ mindsets on the barbaric cattle rustling. It also put forward that the county government must formulate policies and legislation that make radios more effective and efficient. At the same time, outlaws cattle rustling. The study applies to academia, national and county governments, and non-state actors.

Promoting Intercommunity Relations for Effective Security and Peacebuilding along the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Axis of the Nigeria-Niger Borderland

This article explores the emerging narratives surrounding the persistent phenomenon of armed banditry in the region. It focuses on the factors and actors driving banditry along the Nigeria-Niger borderlands. Using data from both primary and secondary sources, the study reveals that internal strife along the borderlands and the collapse of state control have facilitated the proliferation of small arms, significantly increasing the intensity of banditry in Nigeria's northwest. The research concludes that the prolonged neglect of border communities has deprived them of basic necessities, exacerbating the situation. As a result, Nigeria’s northwestern states—Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, which border Niger—have become safe havens for raiders and bandits, who, in some cases, establish 'informal structures' of control over the borderland communities.

The Unbearing Threat of Golden Crescent Areas Combating Cases of Small and Light Arms Trafficking as Organized Crime in India

Along with the easier exchange of information, people and goods between countries as a result of the rapid globalization, forms of crime in the international world also continue to grow at the same time. One of the transnational crimes that is of concern and is very difficult to deal with today is the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons. In this paper, the author identifies the activities, entities and impacts of Small Arms and Light Weapons transnational crimes in India. To overcome this, various efforts have been made by the Government of India, but there are still obstacles in its implementation caused by the weakness of law in India so that these criminal groups can operate easily and prolifically. Transnational crime activities in India can be explained through trends in the spread, identification of transnational crimes, identification of Models of Conditions and Models of Operations, as well as handling methods applied at global, regional to national levels.

Nigeria's Security Architecture and the Challenges of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Nigeria's Security Architecture and the Challenges of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons

THE IMPLICATIONS OF ARMS PROLIFERATION AND INSECURITY ON HUMAN SECURITY IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF MALI AND NIGERIA

Mali and Nigeria are both faced with the presence of insurgencies, militia, terrorism and other violent non-state actors (VNSAs), who perpetrate large-scale violence; thus, creating daunting security challenges in these countries. This goes pari passu with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in these countries. While these countries have inherent human security challenges, this spate of insecurity will not only inhibit the quest for human security, but further deteriorate it. Thus, this paper examines the interrelationship between arms proliferation, violent conflicts and insecurity in these countries and their implication on human security. The study is anchored on the State Collapse theory and the Ex-post Facto research design. The Documentary Observation method of data is utilised; hence, data is generated from secondary sources such as academic publications, organisational publications, databases, etc. For data analysis, the study adopts the Causal Analysis and Process Tracing methods of data analysis. The study found that the proliferation of SALWs and violent conflicts complement each other in Mali and Nigeria, thus, creating high-scale insecurity challenges in both countries. It also found that the implications of this state of affairs on human security are enormous in these countries; particularly in the aspects of physical security, food security, economic security, environmental security and political security. On these bases, the study advocates for relevant stakeholders such as the governments, ECOWAS, religious organisations and traditional institutions to play key roles in addressing the menace

Globalization and Proliferations of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: The Productive Precursors to the Security Challenges in North-Eastern Nigeria

The Nigeria North-East geopolitical zone which comprises of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States has provided save haven for all forms of insurgents and criminal groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic States in West African Province (ISWAP), armed banditry, Fulani herdsmen militancy, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and armed robbery. There is also the problem of increased proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) encouraged by the porous nature of the land borders in northern part of the country, yet, the government seem comatose. It is on this premise that this study asserts that Globalization and proliferation of SALW are precursors for the security challenges in North-East, Nigeria. Descriptive analysis was adopted and qualitative method of data collection was utilized in this study. The study finds out that the adversaries of the Cold War protagonists, the defunct Soviet Union (USSR) and United States of America (USA), advanced the progress of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, which in turn favored the terrorist groups in Northern part of the country. Also, there has been relentless onslaught of criminal activities and other overlapping security challenges since the Cold War era in the country ranging from banditry and kidnapping for ransom, insurgency of Boko Haram and Islamic States in West African Province (ISWAP), armed robbery and ritual killings, among others. The study recommends that the peace process in northern Nigeria should be sustained. There should be better border security policy and local policing of the communities in the Nigeria northeast geopolitical zone.

Effects of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on Women Security in Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon.

Effects of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on Women Security in Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon.

Implementing History Education as Strategic National Framework for Strengthening Intergroup Relations

The main objective of this study is to examine the increasing socio-political, cultural and economic problems that have militated against the progress of African continent, and demonstrate the extent to which the re invigoration of history in school curriculum can strengthen development practice in the continent. Africa generally has been plagued by several social problems ranging from insecurity, ethnic-religious conflicts, post-election violence and a number of other socially motivated crises. Thus from the western African region to the south, Central Africa; East and North, the evidence of conflicts have been reported. The conflicts arising from clash of group interests, and particularly, among contending forces and several belligerent groups have unarguably, been the bane of economic and political development. To most critics, the arguments have continued to hinge of the relegation of history subjects in schools-high schools and tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, among others. The multiplier effect of this is the huge gap that has been created between the past and contemporary age where a vast majority of the people are unarguably isolated from the mainstream culture of unity and common African cultural heritage. Again, with the rising wave of globalization and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the orientation of the average African child is more or less greatly influenced by western culture and exposure. What we now experience in most African societies (Nigeria inclusive), is a system where people are hardly conscious of the Pan-African spirit of brotherhood which finds expression in collective interest as well as love and care. The consequence of this development is fast staring the continent in the face, while the sub-region constantly gravitate with numerous challenges raging from lack of community bonds, conflicts, violence, terrorism, kidnapping(as in the case of Nigeria);child trafficking, banditry, proliferation of small arms and light weapons; drug peddling ,among others. This paper is an exploration of some of the strategies that can be employed in order to mitigate social problems that have continued to fester among groups and sections of the African society using history subject as a point of departure. The study is essentially an archival work, and hence, relies on existing works of experts for its investigation. The method of data collection is therefore secondary in nature. The paper recommends that to effectively contain the challenges confronting the continent, there is the urgent need to reinforce the teaching and learning of historical narratives having to do with African culture and principles, especially among teenage population in African schools. This way, the much sought-after nation-building, peace, stability and viable inter group relations would be realized.

Merchants of terror: Proliferation of small arms and light weapons and human security challenges in Nigeria

ABSTRACT In recent years, Nigeria’s security architecture has deteriorated due to conflicts and acts of violent extremism by non-state actors in possession of SALWs. Therefore, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons have resulted in armed conflicts, the displacement of people, organized crimes, and acts of terrorism, thereby undermining the peace, development, and human security of Nigerians, and by extension, Africa. The easy accessibility, destructiveness, simplicity and usability of the SALWs have made them appealing and a preferred choice for organized criminal groups and violent extremists resulting in huge human security challenges for Nigeria. In this context, the study examines the impact of the proliferation of SALWs and the peace, security, and development of Nigeria. The main interests are to first understand the intersectionality between the proliferation of SALWs and human security, and secondly to unpack the causes, channels, and casualties of the proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria. The author will also discuss the pattern and strategy of governmental response(s) to the proliferation of SALWs. The study recommends the adoption of a grand-national strategy comprising of governance-security nexus as a panacea to stem the tide of the illegal proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS ROLE ON CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND PEACEKEEPING MISSION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST POKOT AND TURKANA IN KENYA

There are conflicts in many pastoral communities around the globe, while the Sahel region and East Africa demonstrate sustained levels of inter-pastoral violent conflicts with associated potential impacts on their livelihoods. Turkana-Pokot Violence across borders, conflict is now the norm. A number of efforts have been made by various bodies to bring peace to the region. Despite the Kenya Police Reservists disarmament and arming of communities, peace initiative meetings, prosecuting perpetrators, declaringof illicit firearms surrender, amnesties, and setting up of peace committees continue to prevail in the region, insecurity and violent conflicts. It is in this regard that the researcher examines the role of civil society organizations in peacebuilding and reconstruction, which has gained significant attention over the last fifty years. Today, the main question is whether civil society organizations have an impact on peacebuilding efforts in the world, especially in third world countries or not. This study has primarily utilized the Protracted Social Conflicts (PSC) theory of Edward Azar. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. A total of 434 respondents were targeted in Pokot North and Turkana South. The sample size of 130 respondents was selected from each of the two Sub Counties. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis and focus group discussions. Pilot study was conducted in Wajir County to establish reliability and validity of research instruments using content analysis and Cronbach alpha respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS to obtain descriptive statistics and chi-square. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of themes and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. Qualitative data was presented in form of narratives and verbatim quotations. The findings of the study revealed that, the proximity of Turkana County to three international borders, namely Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia had contributed to the proliferation of small arms through the porous borders that are not governed by the respective governments. This contributed to the availability and cheapness of small arms in Turkana County as a whole, hence the sustenance of the conflict between the two communities. Therefore, this theoretical framework was useful in anchoring the study. The study findings therefore suggested that Politics, governance, peace-building strategies, commercialization of raided animals and proliferation of small arms are the sustainers of conflict among the pastoral communities of Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. The study established that CSOs play a crucial role in conflict resolution in West Pokot. The study found out that CSOs provides food, clothing, water and tents in case of calamity. This was attributed to the fact that basic needs and health services are basic for the survival of every community. It was also established that NGOs settling conflict affected persons leads to conflict resolution. When natural resources are,well-managed conflicts are minimized. The CSOs provided for meetings during which residents were given awareness concerning peace and conflict resolution. The study revealed that CSOs organized social functions once per year.

Exploring The Symbiotic Economic Benefits Between Farmers and Herders to Promote Peaceful Coexistence in Taraba State Nigeria

This paper explored the symbiotic economic benefits between farmers and herders in Taraba State to promote peaceful coexistence. Taraba State is one of the states in the North East region of Nigeria that is mainly affected by the farmers-herders crisis. The paper illustrated the causes of the farmers-herders crisis which include the growing population, abandonment of the grazing reserve system, and proliferation of small arms and light weapons among others. Although the Federal and State Governments have responded in several ways, among which the creation of grazing reserves in 1965, the establishment of the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) in 1989, the use of the Armed Forces to curb internal security caused by farmers-herders crisis, proposed National Grazing Reserve Bill 2016, proposed Cattle Ranching System 2018, legislation prohibiting open grazing and the Great Green Wall Agency of the Federal Government. All these efforts by the Federal Government and various State Governments could not bring the desired peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. The crisis still lingered in Taraba State and many other states. Therefore, the paper explored the symbiotic economic benefits that could be enjoyed by farmers and herders leading to peaceful coexistence. Some of the symbiotic economic benefits capable of stimulating peaceful coexistence are; after harvesting crops on their farm, they usually allow cattle to graze on the leftovers, during which excrement from the cows provide manure for the farm, use of yam and cassava peels for preparation of animal feeds, use of rice, guinea corn, maize, and millet chaff for animal feeds and use of animal waste as fertilizer. The author concluded that exploring the symbiotic economic benefits explicated in this paper can bring about peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders which will also result in a peaceful Taraba State. It was suggested that government and private individuals should establish ranches within farming communities in such a manner that herders can get animal feeds from farmers while the farmers get manure from the herders’ farms.

The impact of arms proliferation on national food security in Nigeria

This study explores impact of proliferation Arms on National Food Security in Nigeria. Proliferation of small arms and light weapons is often one of the major security challenges currently facing Nigeria. The proliferation of arms on the Country, according to some scholars, has been responsible for violence, crime and terrorism in the sub-sahara region. It has become one of the banes to security and developmental challenges in Nigeria during the last two decades. The wave of proliferation across Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people each year in Nigeria. Arms proliferation across the country has ravaged lives and property, and over 2,000 people have been reported dead in the country. Suffice it to say, combating arms proliferation has been a challenge to the government. Given this situation, the key questions posed in this paper are the following: What are the Causes of Arms proliferation in Nigeria? What are the effects of the proliferation on the peace and security of Nigeria? Importantly, what are the challenges faced by the government in combating arms proliferation in Nigeria? Why have the prices of food gone up and many people in Nigeria cannot afford three basic meals a day? This study adopts a qualitative research design using secondary data source. After identifying the issue in combating arms proliferation in Nigeria, it then makes proposals for the way forward. Nigerian government should develop a strict roadmap to tackle the issue of illicit weapons which will include addressing the issue of corrupt security officials, strengthening governance issue, updating legislative provisions and transparency of Nigeria arms deals. With these practical solutions, Nigeria’s effort in tackling illicit weapons would be valuable. Fulani herdsmen crisis should be addressed and proffer solutions to avoid threat to lives and property of the people.

Factors Driving the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Rumbek Central, Republic of South Sudan

Factors Driving the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Rumbek Central, Republic of South Sudan

Deradicalisation and national security

There is no gainsaying that the Northeast of Nigeria is extensively riddled by extreme views and violence, oiled by poverty, literacy disconnect, unregulated radical clerics, ungoverned spaces, widening literacy gap, and unemployment confronting the population and these further aggravate the vulnerability of Nigeria’s national security. It was against this background that this study adopted the reintegrative shaming theory to investigate the nexus between deradicalisation and national security. This study decomposed national security into terrorism and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, using the lens of deradicalisation process under Operation Safe Corridor and Sulhu. This study employed exploratory research design with reliance on publicly available archive documents. The study relies solely on secondary data. The research is conducted by examining literature concerning deradicalisation, terrorism and small and light weapon proliferation. The literature was obtained through searches in publicly available material. Literature from non-serial publications, official reports, and conferences has been included particularly if they have been cited by other references in connection with national security. Findings from the study showed that deradicalisation positively influence counterterrorism campaign by the military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.Result from study also showed that deradicalisation influence onproliferation of small arms and light weapon remained largely unsettled. The study recommends that government should create holistic buy-ins into the operation safe corridor, whichshould be broadened and not siloed as presently seen in Nigeria by the military, which has a low buy in point, for local community involvement. The study also recommends the Nigeria Security architecture should encourage decentralization of commands and control closer to the people by unbundling security from exclusive list into the concurrent list, so as to properly situate security closer to the people and not the elite alone.

Ethno-Tribal Alienation, Anti-Bullet Charms, and other Factors in the Resurgence of Militancy in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The resurgence of militant groups and the prevailing insecurity situation in the Niger Delta region is the concern of this study. The incessant bombing and vandalisation of oil installation, kidnapping, robbery, etc, has crippled socio-economic activities in the region and Nigeria at large. Although, there exists reports and studies on insecurity in the Niger Delta region, none has provided complete empirical and quantitative account on the effects of ethno-tribal alienation, proliferation of small arms, anti-bullet charms, and amnesty policy inconsistency on the re-emergence of militancy in the Niger Delta region. This knowledge gap justified the relevance of this study. Thus, this study is design to establish the connects between proliferation of small arms, anti-bullet charms, ethno-tribal alienation, amnesty policy inconsistency, insecurity of local chiefs, and the resurgence of militant groups. Findings revealed that Ethno-tribal alienation, proliferation of arms, anti-bullet charms, amnesty policy inconsistency, and insincerity of local chiefs are among the key factors responsible for re-emergence of militancy in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Participants noted that they are aware of the potential for repressive and harsh military action as a result of their actions, thus, the study recommended among others that authorities take a more inclusive approach in dealing with the crisis

Innovative Approaches to Conventional Weapons Stockpile Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Firearms trafficking remains as a largely invisible phenomenon, necessitating the advancement and implementation of innovative transparency-focused approaches to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. By exploring the relationship between effective stockpile management and nation-state accountability, this paper argues that there is a unique opportunity in the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society to utilize a data-based approach for weapon registration. This essay also shows that NGO-led weapons and registration programs can be hugely valuable to regional security, peacebuilding efforts, and confidence-building measures for states in the European theater.

Implications of Cross Border Proliferation of Small and Light Weapons (SALWs) for Nigeria’s National Security: A Study of Kaduna State, 2010-2020

This work examined the security implications of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in Nigeria laying more emphasis on Kaduna State. The work relied on both primary and secondary data. For the primary data, they were obtained through an in-depth interview with key stakeholders who are abreast with issues of the subject matter, this included all three arms of the armed forces, the police, customs, immigration, and those who have been victims of attack and culprits who were arrested with SALWs. While secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journal articles, seminar papers, and newspapers, among others on the subject matter. The work adopted the relative deprivation theory as a framework of analysis. Findings of the work show that there were serious security implications of the proliferation of SALWs for Kaduna state which has led to an increase in crime rate, political violence, conflicts, and disruption of economic activities within the period under review. The study, therefore, recommends inter-agency and bilateral cooperation on border patrol, adequate equipment and training of security personnel, proper remuneration for security agents, improved government policies and framework to grow the economy and create jobs, strict adherence to prescribing laws and regulations governing the possession and use of small arms and light weapons among others.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol On Free Movement and National Security: A Case Study of Nigeria

Ensuring the safety and security of countries is a priority for governments worldwide. As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria has supported the integration and movement of goods, people, and services through the adoption of the Protocol on Free Movement (PFM). However, the unrestricted movement of people across porous borders can pose security threats, particularly with the trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW). This paper examines the potential security threats that could arise from the protocol on free movement of people and goods and highlights the importance of collaboration with other countries to achieve safe and secure borders. The study utilized a desk research method that relied heavily on secondary data to analyze relevant materials. The findings indicate that while the protocol enhances economic integration and financial stability, organized transnational criminal networks have taken advantage of free movement to perpetuate various forms of crime such as human trafficking, arms trafficking, and terrorism. The paper argues that regional integration is crucial but must be balanced with the need to maintain National Security in Nigeria. To address the challenges posed by free movement, the paper recommends that the Nigerian government needs to be strategic while endorsing international treaties to reflect the national interest of securing the Country. Strategies should be developed to monitor porous borders to check the illegal flow of arms, and efforts should be made to mop up illegal arms through the speedy establishment of the National Commission for the coordination and control of the proliferation of small Arms and Light Weapon (NATCOM) bill awaiting assent from the president. Additionally, intelligence sharing should be enhanced to promote regional integration while maintaining national security.

Security Challenges and the Proliferation of Small & Light Arms in Nigeria: Implication for National Development

It is apt to note that the central impediment to sustainable peace and security is the constant and continued proliferation of small and light weapons (SALW). The escalation of these arms contributed/became a threat to peace and tranquillity in Nigeria and precipitated inter-ethnic conflicts leading to an insurgency on a light scale. The paper aims to examine the continued proliferation of small and light arms and the challenges to national security with particular reference to Nigeria and the sources. The study employed descriptive as its methodology anchored on the frustration framework within the secondary data source. The study unveils that arms proliferation is centred on the porosity of the Nigerian borders. This development contributes in no small measures precipitated security challenges. The paper concludes as part of its recommendations that governments should strengthen the security activities at the Nigerian border and train personnel on border-related issues. The paper concludes as a matter of urgency government should embark on the gainful employment of youths to subdue the activities of insurgents and terrorist attacks in the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria.