Open AccessThe Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: Corruption a Major Challenge
Author(s) -
Salisu Malami,
Nor Anita Abdullah,
Zuryati Mohamed Yusoff
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jurnal undang-undang dan masyarakat
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1394-7729
DOI - 10.17576/juum-2021-29-10
Subject(s) - language change , stockpile , boko haram , law enforcement , enforcement , small arms , business , political science , international trade , law , politics , art , literature , insurgency
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.