An Appraisal of the Role of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Escalation of Insecurity in Nigeria

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Date
2020-10-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AIPGG
Abstract
Nigeria is today increasingly being defined by widespread insecurity. This is not a surprise as senseless killings have become almost a daily affair in the country. All manners of criminal activities such as terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, etc. are perpetrated with reckless abandon, and more often than not, small arms and light weapons are the weapons of choice for the criminals. This study, therefore, examined the relationship between insecurity and illegal circulation of small arms and light weapons in the country. The study found that small arms and light weapons do not necessarily cause insecurity in Nigeria, but they facilitate crimes, instigate and intensify assault. The study recommended that the three arms of government in Nigeria should work together to revamp the legal framework for combating the illegal circulation of small arms and light weapons and, also adopt policy and orientation shifts that are capable of reversing the deteriorating general standard of living of the people in terms of access to food, education, health care, housing, security, and high life expectancy; provide gainful employment, educational facilities, medical care, good roads, electricity, and other basic amenities all across the country as these efforts will reduce drastically the drive for criminal activities which would mean a reduction in the demand for small arms and light weapons.
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Keywords
Insecurity in Nigeria, Role of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Citation
Idowu O.I (2020), “An Appraisal of the Role of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Escalation of Insecurity in Nigeria”. Journal of Humanities and Peace Studies. Adeboye Institute for Peace and Good Governance, vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 1-2 (Redeemer’s University, Ede).