Socio-Political and Economic Development under Threat: The Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria

Abstract

All over the world the extensive availability and use of SALW are associated with insecurity, as well as the primary source of deaths and injuries in wars and internal conflicts. Large accumulations and free flows of SALW in Nigeria have destabilized political processes, intensified and prolonged insurgence and contributed to banditry, crime and violence. They are more widely traded and held, both legally and illegally, by non-state groups, bandits, criminals and ordinary citizens, hence their availability for every sort of violent conflict, communal hostilities, criminal activity and violence. Its availability no doubt has become a threat to established socio-political and economic mechanisms for development.