AN ASSESSMENT OF ILLEGAL CROSS BORDER PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The widespread and uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons represents one of the numerous challenges that governments and states worldwide are presently grappling with. The post-Second World War era, and more notably, the onset of the new millennium, have prompted a critical reassessment of security dynamics and other pertinent concerns. Following the terrorist attacks on the United States by Al-Qaeda, the international system has continuously faced evolving security issues, maintaining a prominent position on the agendas of global entities such as the United Nations, European Union, various regional organizations, including the African Union, and national committees.

Additionally, the conclusion of the Cold War brought about a global sense of optimism for international peace and security. The expectation was a shift from superpower-driven conflicts in the Third World to a focus on socio-economic development. Unfortunately, recent events have starkly contradicted those optimistic expectations. Instead of an improvement in security, there has been a surge in internal conflicts characterized by unprecedented civilian casualties and severe human rights violations. The causes of these conflicts are diverse and numerous at the local level. However, a common thread in many of these conflicts is the proliferation of small arms, particularly originating from industrialized nations and finding their way into the developing world. This influx of weaponry has played a decisive role in escalating and intensifying conflicts. Over the past decade, countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone have been entangled in prolonged civil wars, Guinea-Bissau faced a brief internal conflict in the late 1990s, Casamance separatists have continued their decades-long struggle against the Senegalese government, Cote d’Ivoire has witnessed insurrection, and the Tuareg problem has simmered in Mali, Niger, Liberia, and Guinea, with ongoing accusations and tensions. Furthermore, In Africa, it is more, due to certain political, security and economic factors. Socio-cultural factors are in some parts of the continent also pertinent in the widespread of small arms and light weapons. It obviously gets its ways by the poor economic condition,corruption, ineffective security measures and weak political commitments in most African countries. However, the continuing circulation of arms poses a serious threat and challenge to the continent; exacerbating human suffering, threatens peace, security, and sustainable development. It has been described as one of the current security challenges in Nigeria. The country has become a source, transit, recipient and destination of illegal small arms and light weapons (Okeke & Oji, 2014; Malam, 2014). Therefore, a survey will be conducted on an assessment of Illegal crossborder proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation has a significant negative impact on human existence, impeding socioeconomic development, posing a risk to public safety, escalating and prolonging hostilities, and aiding terrorists. Marsh (2013) provided confirmation of this idea by revealing that tiny arms and light weapons have been utilized in terrorism, organized crime, and gang-related killings. They play a major role in rape, torture, killings, and violations of human rights. Marsh goes on to say that the proliferation of tiny arms has an impact on society as a whole. It causes political unrest, the influx of refugees, physical infrastructure devastation, disruptions in the delivery of healthcare and education, and more.

Furthermore, McCllum (2012), Stott (2016), Munir (2011) and Alusala (2016), in their research indicates that the phenomenon has negative consequences on peace, security and development. It particularly affects human and national security. Individuals are largely the victims of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons since the arms have been used to perpetrate armed violence and criminal activities such as insurgency, transnational organized crimes, terrorism, conflict, armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling among others. It is in the light of these that the study seeks to an assessment of illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1.        Investigate the specific methods through which small arms are illegally trafficked across Nigeria's border.

2.        Assess the impact of the proliferation of small arms on Nigeria's national security.

3.        Investigate  the  socio-economic consequences of small arms proliferation in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1.        What are the specific methods through which small arms are illegally trafficked across Nigeria's border?

2.        What are the impact of the proliferation of small arms on Nigeria's national security?

3.        What are the  socio-economic consequences of small arms proliferation in Nigeria?

1.5  Significant of the Study

An assessment of Illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria will be revealed to the government at various levels, policy makers, law enforcement agencies, international organizations, media houses and security agencies   in this study. Government officers and policymakers can use the research findings to develop and implement more effective policies and strategies to combat illegal arms trafficking. The insights can guide legislative changes, border control measures, and international collaborations aimed at curbing the proliferation of small arms. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to an assessment of illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment of illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation in Nigeria. Theoretically, this study will investigate the specific methods through which small arms are illegally trafficked across Nigeria's border, assess the impact of the proliferation of small arms on Nigeria's national security and investigate  the  socio-economic consequences of small arms proliferation in Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to police officers in  Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Illegal: contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.

Arms:  weapons and equipment used to kill and injure people.

Proliferation: the spread of small arms, light weapons and the components required to manufacture them. 

Border: a line separating two countries, administrative divisions, or other areas.