Proliferation Of Small Arms Research Articles

Beyond amnesty: Rethinking government’s stabilisation efforts in Nigeria’s Niger delta region

In 2009, President Umaru Yar’Adua granted amnesty to militant groups in the Niger Delta. This came after a decade of insurgency within Nigeria’s oil-rich region. Amnesty was strategically designed to deescalate further confrontation with militants, curb the proliferation of small arms, stop kidnapping and limit the destruction of oil and gas installations. Amnesty was also aimed at disarming, demobilising and re-integration militants into civil society. To what extent has amnesty shaped the region and of what consequence? This study examined the multi-layered drivers of crisis within the Niger-Delta. It then investigated the appropriateness of amnesty in the region using semi-structured interviews. As its main finding, deplorable conditions that sparked unrest in the region still persist, evoking growing discontent in several communities. The paper recommends sustainable policies and programs through which communities, oil companies and the region at large can benefit immensely.

Assessing the Impact of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on Crime in Ghana: a Case of WA West District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

Assessing the Impact of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on Crime in Ghana: a Case of WA West District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

United Nations and Collective Agreements on Global Security: Issues and Perspectives

Owing to the growing threats of pandemics like the Corona Virus (COVID-19) among other emerging infectious diseases, terrorism, genocide, human trafficking, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons among others, the study assessed the United Nations (UN) on the collective agreement in maintaining global peace and stability. In achieving these, the study adopted the descriptive research design and derived relevant data through the use of semi-structured interviews with respondents randomly chosen from the five permanent member states of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The system theory was employed to provide a clear understanding of the subject matter and the need for institution and collectiveness in the management and sustainability of world peace. However, findings revealed that a restructured UNSC is necessary to give room for a more responsive and all-inclusive organization. This brings to the fore the importance of collective agreements in a multilateral world to collectively and efficiently tackle the contemporary threats to world peace and stability.

South Sudanese Crisis and Its Foreign Intervention, 2013-2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of South Sudanese crisis from 2013 to 2021. Descriptive research design that anchored on the judgmental sampling technique was adopted. The secondary sources (books, journal articles, conference papers, internet materials and monographs) were sourced from Nigerian libraries and internet, subjected to content analysis, before qualitatively analyzed for the study. Findings revealed that political exclusion, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, corruption and weak institutions triggered grievances that led to December 2013 South Sudanese crisis. The crisis had impacted negatively on security, humanitarian needs, human rights, as well as economy. United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Inter Governmental Authority on Development, African Union Mission in South Sudan, United States, Canada, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea had intervened. Though these findings have deepened the understanding of Group theory, the fear of South Sudanese crisis reoccurring immediately after general election in 2024 is looming. The study the recommends, rotational presidency, devolution of power, mental disarmament and development assistance to avert the incoming crisis.

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

The purpose of this study was to look into the effects of small arms and light weapons proliferation on women's security in Cameroon's Adamawa region. The study used a mixed-method approach and a descriptive research design. The total population of target population was 290,000 people. The sample size was 400 people. Because Ngaoundere is densely populated, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used. A questionnaire and key informant interviews were used to collect data, which included both qualitative and quantitative information. The collected data was keyed and analyzed with the most recent version of SPSS. According to the findings, the population of Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon is diverse, with nationals primarily from the country's far north, but also from the country's North West and South West regions. Several expatriates, mostly humanitarian workers and refugees, live in the area of study. Aggression with SALW has increased in Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon, over the last decade. The majority of victims of aggression caused by the use of SALW are women, making them more vulnerable to threats using small arms and light weapons. The study recommends that a national commission on small arms and light weapons be established. The study also recommends that more women be encouraged to participate in discussions about security and disarmament. Keywords: Small Arms, Light Weapons, Women Security, Adamawa region, Cameroon

The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Forced Migration Crises in Nigeria and Mali

Forced migration crises caused by non-state actors such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram insurgency, Tuareg Armed Group, herders-farmers’ armed groups, bandits, separatists, and other local tribal militias have forced many in West Africa to flee to other countries or to become internally displaced persons (IDPs). This paper focuses on the effects of armed conflict on forced migrants in Nigeria and Mali. It finds the major causes of armed conflicts in Nigeria and Mali to be social injustice, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, poverty, illiteracy, bad governance, and religious extremism. It also finds that climate change and political instability contribute to forced migration in these two countries. IDPs in Nigeria and Mali have little to no access to basic necessities. The article finds that policymakers and local authorities are not fully committed to either returning or resettling refugees and IDPs and that most of the refugees are unwilling to return to their homes because of safety concerns. The study finds that refugees and IDPs are not integrated into the local communities due to stigmatization, which further affects their social and psychological well-being. It recommends that the governments of Nigeria and Mali tackle the root causes of armed conflicts, including poverty, religious extremism, and social injustice. These governments and other stakeholders should also ensure that the human rights of forced migrants are protected in terms of their identity and access to social services. Finally, they should ensure the safety of forced migrants who are willing to return to their ancestral homes.

Perceived Causes of Street Robberies in the Nairobi Central Business District, Kenya

Empirical studies have studied different factors contributing to street robbery using the crime analysis triangle. The triangle organizes elements that influence robbery issues among other forms of crime. Though no particular feature entirely accounts for the street robbery issue, the interconnected dynamic forces among victims , locations , offenders, and habits all impact street robbery patterns. This has baffled law enforcement agencies, civil society and the public at large. This study sought to identify perceived causes of street robberies in the Nairobi Central Business District. The study was underpinned by the Strain theory by Robert Merton, Social Disorganization and Routine Activity Theory by Cohen & Felson. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted persons who had been victims of street robbery within Nairobi CBD in the course of the one year preceding the study. Simple random sampling was used to sample (30%) 107 respondents out of a target population of 356 victims as per the police records within Nairobi CBD. Questionnaires were employed to collect quantitative data from the primary sample while key informant interview guides were employed to collect qualitative data from Key informants. Data collection instruments were piloted before the actual data collection process. Validity and reliability of the study questionnaire were ascertained before commencement of the study. Findings revealed that unemployment was the main (91.5%) factor perceived to encourage street robberies within the CBD. Other factors that were established to encourage street robberies included; street congestion (88.3%), inadequate CCTV & street lights (70.2%), inadequate police visibility (58.5%), poor urban planning (44.7%), proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons (40.4%), street children (24.5%). Corruption among police officers (19.1%) was reported the least factor contributing to street robbery. In light of the study findings, the study recommended that the government puts in place mechanisms and resources to ensure availability of employment opportunities to vulnerable groups especially the youths and offer rehabilitation services and training to street families to make them useful and productive. Sensitization of members of the public and police officers on the need to embrace community policing also needs to be given priority whereby the police and the community work together in order to ensure a safe, secure and crime free environment. Keywords: Perceived Causes, Street Robberies, Nairobi Central Business District DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/12-8-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Influence of weak legislation and non-state armed actors on arms proliferation: Evidence from terrorism in Nigeria

With an aggressive illicit transnational trade along a vastly porous borderline in the North East region of Nigeria, a country not at war but highly militarized with overstretched security agencies, an outdated over six decades Firearms law and a vulnerable civilian populace seeking firearms in self-protection or otherwise; are all the tones needed for proliferations of small arms and Light weapons. It was against this background that this study leverages on State fragility theory to investigate the influence of weak legislation and prevalence of armed non state actors on arms proliferation and terrorism in Nigeria. The study engaged weak legislation and civilian acquisitions of arms to measure influence of proliferation of small arms and light weapon on terrorism in Nigeria. This study employs exploratory research design; by using content analysis of publicly available archive documents. The study relies solely on secondary data. The research is conducted by examining literature concerning arms proliferation and terrorism in Nigeria. 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 terrorism and arms proliferation. The study submitted that small and light weapons proliferations are extensively aggravated by weak legislation and the prevalence of armed non state actors in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study concludes that government commitment to combat arms proliferation can only be taken serious when the existing 1959 firearms legislation is revamped and internationalized while it will take only good governance to stem the prevalence of armed non state actors. The study recommends that Federal and State Government should evolve a modern firearm law to give the outdated firearm legislation the needed bites. Lastly, the study recommends that the newly established National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and light Weapons should quickly evolve a database and tracking capability to ease the fight against arms proliferation

THE DEVILS THEORY OF IMPERIALISM AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW) IN NIGERIA

The causes, extent and preventive methods of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria have been the subject of significant studies on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. It has been found that the literature lacks the use of the devil theory of imperialism in analyzing the political economy of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The methodology was based on content analysis of extant literature on uncontrolled arms, illicit arms, and conflict and insecurity from textbooks, magazines, the Internet and other sources. The results of this study show that international and local partners are all involved in the proliferation of illegal firearms in Nigeria, making it impossible for the government to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The study also shows that the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria is slowing due to the nature of the people involved in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, as well as the limited capacities of the Nigerian states due to a lack of political will to curb the countrys growing insecurity. Finally, this study suggests that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as insecurity, will continue uninterrupted until arms dealers and their collaborators are caught and prosecuted.

"Incompetency in Governance and Menace of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria: Causes, Impacts, and Solution "

This study examined the implication of the scourge of awful governancein Nigeria, and discusses the threats of proliferation of small arms andlight weapons vis-a-vis less efficient governance by drawing a synergybetween both variables, and unveiling the menace of proliferation ofSALW as a devastating implication of unproductive governance inNigeria. This paper adopted interviews as a tool for data collection andalso retrieved valuable information’s from readymade works ofscholars. This paper investigated the causes of proliferation of smallSALW in Nigeria, and discussed the constitutional failure of Nigeriangovernment as the propellant of arms proliferation in Nigeria.. Thestudy also examined the impacts of proliferation of SALW in Nigeriaand finally articulate recommendation’s that will serve as a panacea tothe menace of proliferation of SALW, and also serves as the solution tothe effect of unproductive governance in Nigeria.

Citizen Security in South America: A Review

Concerns about the global proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and armed violence have increased exponentially since the end of the Cold War. Developing and post-conflict countries have found it particularly difficult to stem the proliferation and misuse of SALW as they attempt to (re)build government institutions, in particular security forces. Latin America is one of the regions of the world most affected by armed violence. Voluntary weapons collection programmes (VWCP) are one intervention that has been implemented repeatedly in developed and developing countries in order to reduce proliferation and violence with mixed results and limited independent evaluation. This thesis begins with an examination of the weapons-specific, intervening and structural factors of crime and insecurity in Latin America followed by an exploration of different security concepts and frameworks relevant to VWCP, in particular the concept of citizen security. It then proposes a new VWCP Impact Assessment Framework that builds upon previous findings on impact in regards to traditional crime and violence. The framework goes further to integrate the interactions of VWCP with security sector reform and social capital. The examination of the security sector emphasises elements of police reform in Latin America. The framework then looks at three types of social capital relevant to institutions and communities. The framework is then tested and applied to eight country cases studies, two from empirical field research in order to test conventional notions and generate new findings.

Implications for National Security in Nigeria

The federal government of Nigeria ordered the partial closure of all land borders with her neighbours such as Benin Republic, Cameroun, Chad and Niger on the 20th August, 2019.The decision by the Nigerian government was to curb smuggling of contra-band agro-allied products (especially rice and poultry products), petroleum products (especially premium motor spirit), reduce influx of illegal migrants, control proliferation of small arms and light weapons and, finally to strengthen internal security of the country. However, this government policy has resulted in increase in inflation rate to above 11.85 percent, closure of business by some manufacturing companies, loss of jobs, increase in security challenges, and also a breach of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) guidelines etc. The study aimed at identifying the factors responsible for border closure, the implications for the closure for national security in Nigeria, and solutions to address these problems. It adopted secondary method of data collection which includedtextbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines and internet information. The study adopted frustration-aggression theory as its theoretical framework. The study adopted library research and documentary evidence as its instruments of data analysis. The findings of the study showed that border closure has resulted in inflationary pressure, increase in local rice production, unemployment due to lay-offs etc. The study recommended installation of security equipment /device that can track down illegal migrants and smugglers of contra-band goods, strict adherence to ECOWAS protocols and AfCFTA guidelines etc.

The Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: Corruption a Major Challenge

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is gradually and perilously becoming a transnational organized crime. In Nigeria, this peril assumed its delicate stage with incessant killings by Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen-farmers clashes, kidnappings, communal and religious crisis, and armed robbery. The drift of this threat is the availability of weapons that are trafficked through Nigeria’s porous borders. Regulating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has been challenged by several factors such as border porosity, inadequate personnel, lack of equipment, lack of data, weak enforcement, stockpile management, local arms manufacturers. Corruption takes center stage and is the focus of this paper. Corruption directly or indirectly is related to other challenges. The paper recommends that corruption must be addressed if all legal and institutional measures for border security and curtailing the spread of weapons in Nigeria are to achieve their objectives.

Understanding the causes and dynamics of conflicts in Ghana: Insights from Bawku Traditional Area

A Conflict can be resolved when there is an adequate understanding of its causes. The objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the contributory factors of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict as a case study and explore the lasting solutions to the conflict which contributes to the political, cultural, and socio-economic development. The study surveyed 200 householders using systematic and snow-balling in five spatial locations in the Bawku Traditional Area. Subsequently, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the Traditional Authorities, the Police, and the Belim-Wusa Development Agency to verify the claims made in the survey and to obtain further insights into the conflict. The responses obtained from the interviews were analyzed for patterns and themes and used as narratives in the work. The geographical location and socio-economic activities such as population growth, farming, and poverty have made the Bawku Traditional Area more prone to persistent conflicts. Again, other contributory factors included; political interference, freedom from fear, a proliferation of small arms, and inadequate access to social services. The empirical findings support the proposition that political interventions sowed the seed of the Bawku conflict. The study recommended that the National Peace Council should organize a workshop to educate the political parties on the need to stay away from chieftaincy matters.

The Socio-Economic Environment among Pastoral Communities in West Pokot and Turkana Counties in Kenya

There are conflicts in many pastoral communities around the globe, while the Sahel region and EastoAfrica 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 communities, peace building meetings, prosecuting perpetrators, declaring illicit firearms surrender amnesties, and setting up peace committees continue to prevail in the region, insecurity and violent conflict. This study was 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 next chapter presents the effectiveness of the existing conflict management system towards the conflict between the Turkana and Pokot communities.

Efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons: from persistent crisis to norm failure?

More than 20 years since its negotiation in 2001, the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA) is failing to fulfill the expectations of states and civil society alike. Considering the absolute numbers of military and civilian possession, the aim of tackling the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in “all its aspects” is currently likely to fail. Studies show that civilian ownership has increased dramatically since 2006. The estimated stocks of SALW in sub-Saharan Africa are 11 million state-owned SALW and 40 million SALW in the hands of civilians. Legal arms exports between states remain another source. This article seeks to identify the different facets of the continuous crisis of SALW control by relying on a global governance perspective as well as on norm research in international relations. The sources of illicit SALW proliferation are manifold and often exceed the capabilities of arms control and disarmament. The present article focuses on the external and internal dimensions for the crisis of illicit SALW proliferation. However, when looking at the internal dimension of the SALW crisis, the UNPoA itself is also partly to blame for the inadequate and ineffective arms control and disarmament efforts. This gloomy picture is exacerbated by statistics indicating that the numbers of newly manufactured SALW are still growing more rapidly than worldwide disarmament efforts. It is more important than ever to ensure that prescriptive norms are translated into everyday practical political and social realities to meet the needs of people struggling with the dire consequences of illicit SALW proliferation.

The Demographic Implications of Crop Farmers-Pastoralists Conflict in Benue North-West, Nigeria

Conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists have become a common feature of economic livelihood in West Africa. The study assessed the demographic implications of crop farmers-pastoralists conflict in Benue North-West, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and a sample of 120 respondents was purposively selected from the three LGAs mostly affected by the pastoralists’ attacks. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interview and field observations and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages and mean). The study in its course found that availability of evergreen arable land (3,27), competition over available evergreen arable lands (3.0), damage to crops (3.12) and the proliferation and availability of cheap small arms and light weapons (2.52) are the major causes of conflict in the area. The study also revealed that the conflict has both short and long term demographic implication on the affected communities. The study recommended sustainable measures towards addressing conflict in the affected communities.

Exploring the precipitators of violent conflict in Central Nigeria: a mixed methodology approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the mutually reinforcing drivers of violent conflict in rural and urban communities in Central Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative research methodology through multi-stage sampling technique. This involved the purposive selection of Benue and Plateau States in Central Nigeria. The combination of household data collection and Geographic Information System led to the identification of 2,772, 117, 2,668 and 106 grids in Jos, Barkin Ladi, Makurdi and Gbajimba, respectively. This proportion constituted the clusters where household heads were chosen for questionnaire administration. Furthermore, a total of ten in-depth interviews were conducted.FindingsThe prominent precipitators of violent conflicts were: rise of criminal groups and criminal activities, hate speech, state’s inability to protect most citizens against violent crime, political intimidation by ruling party, over militarization of the public space. Others are rising population pressure, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and ban of open grazing.Research limitations/implicationsThis study could be strengthened if broadened to include communities with different socioeconomic realities. Hence, the view presented in this paper may not be considered generalizable to other parts of the country with different cultural settings.Originality/valueThe methodology offers a reliable alternative to combine sampling approaches for household surveys that can help address problems occasioned by the lack of census data.

The Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Challenges of National Security in Nigeria: A Case Study of Adamawa State

The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) is a major national security challenge in Nigeria. The insecurity resulting from insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping, armed robbery, ethno-religious and communal conflicts have become worrisome in Nigeria. All this, are perpetrated with small arms and light weapons, which are easily concealed and used to unleash violence in the society. There is hardly any week that passes by, without a report of one attack or the other somewhere in Nigeria. Adamawa state is not different as security challenges perpetrated with SALWs have destroyed lives and properties, and displaced a lot of people many of whom are farmers thereby, threatening food security. Again, Boko-Haram insurgency has over the years increased the availability of SALWs in the state. Porosity of Nigerian borders in Adamawa state axis has equally made it much easier for criminals to smuggle in SALWs into the state from neighboring Cameroon. The security agencies that are saddled with the responsibility to check this are complicit, as the bad ones facilitate the smuggling or are themselves sources of SALWs. Today, there is mutual distrust and deep seated grievances among the various ethnic groups co-habiting the state due to injustice. The deep seated grievances have made groups to acquire SALWs for self-help and retaliation. Furthermore, suspicion is commonplace and many people have lost trust and faith in the security architecture of the state government. Thus, people have resorted to the acquisition of SALWs for self-defense. Above all, politicians procure arms for the youths during elections. These arms are never returned as they are used to make ends meet due to poverty and unemployment ravaging the country. It is within the context of this broad narrative that the proliferation of SALWs is situated in Adamawa state nay Nigeria. Therefore, to check this menace, there is need to rejig the security architecture of Adamawa state and indeed Nigeria. Border security must be strengthened through cross-border security arrangement with Nigeria neighbors. The culture of violence in politics must be de-emphasized and the premium attached to political office should be reduced. Poverty and unemployment should be reduced and Justice should be served to all who deserve it. Finally, mutual trust should be encouraged by the government to foster inter-ethnic and religious co-existence and harmony among the diverse people in the state.

Urban Peace-Building through Community-Based Initiatives to Control SALWs in Libya

In post-revolution Libya, the proliferation and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) became pervasive due to the ongoing political and armed conflict that succeeded the fall of Qaddafi. The continuing state of insecurity and weakness of central state authorities has led local and community-based actors to develop their own peacebuilding initiatives, some of which included homegrown measures to control or reduce the proliferation of SALW. Drawing on insights collected in the cities of Az-Zāwiyah, Bayda, and Tobruk, this policy commentary discusses the mechanisms leading to the emergence of such initiatives, the methods of their implementation, and their strengths and weaknesses. Although these local initiatives did not result in building lasting and comprehensive peace at the national level, they offer a preliminary set of lessons learned that can help inform prospective peacebuilding and SALW control efforts in Libya. <strong>Arabic version:</strong> The Arabic version of this article is available and can be downloaded at <a href="https://doi.org/10.31389/jied.57.s1" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.31389/jied.57.s1</a>