AN EXAMINATION OF THE ILLICIT CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENT AND PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The unregulated and extensive spread of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) remains one of the critical security challenges confronting governments and states globally. Since the end of the Second World War—and more significantly, with the dawn of the new millennium—security concerns have been reassessed and have increasingly become a major focus in global discourse. The September 11 terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda on the United States marked a turning point, thrusting security threats into the spotlight of international policy and action. As a result, institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, regional bodies like the African Union, and various national governments have consistently prioritized the issue of arms proliferation on their agendas. Moreover, the end of the Cold War initially inspired global optimism for peace and stability, especially in the developing world. It was widely anticipated that geopolitical tensions driven by superpower rivalry would give way to increased attention on socio-economic development. Unfortunately, those hopes have not materialized. Rather than diminishing, insecurity has worsened, with internal conflicts leading to unprecedented civilian casualties and gross human rights violations. While the root causes of these internal crises vary and are largely localized, a common and significant factor fueling these conflicts is the widespread availability of small arms—many of which originate from industrialized countries and are trafficked into less developed regions. The impact of this influx of arms has been profound. Over the past decade, numerous African countries—including Liberia and Sierra Leone—have endured protracted civil wars. Guinea-Bissau experienced internal strife in the late 1990s, and the Casamance separatist movement has continued its struggle against the Senegalese state. Likewise, Côte d’Ivoire has faced episodes of insurrection, while Tuareg rebellions have persisted across Mali, Niger, and Guinea. Liberia and other West African nations have also been plagued by these recurring tensions. Across the continent, the proliferation of SALWs has been exacerbated by a confluence of political instability, weak security systems, economic hardship, corruption, and a general lack of political will to address the issue comprehensively. Socio-cultural dynamics in certain regions also contribute to the ease with which these weapons spread. These conditions have allowed for the unrestrained circulation of arms, posing a severe threat to the African continent. The proliferation of SALWs intensifies human suffering, undermines peace and security, and poses a barrier to sustainable development. In Nigeria, the situation has reached alarming levels. The country now functions as a source, transit route, recipient, and destination for illegal small arms and light weapons (Okeke & Oji, 2014; Malam, 2014). Against this backdrop, this study seeks to undertake a comprehensive survey and assessment of the illegal cross-border proliferation of small arms in Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The unchecked cross-border proliferation of small arms poses a significant threat to human life and societal well-being. It hampers socio-economic development, endangers public safety, and contributes to the escalation and prolongation of violent conflicts. Furthermore, it facilitates the activities of terrorist groups and criminal organizations. Marsh (2013) affirms these concerns, stating that small arms and light weapons are commonly used in acts of terrorism, organized crime, and gang-related violence. These weapons have been instrumental in committing rape, torture, killings, and a host of other human rights abuses. According to Marsh, the proliferation of these arms extends beyond individual incidents and has broader societal consequences. It fuels political instability, leads to population displacement, causes destruction of physical infrastructure, and disrupts essential services such as healthcare and education. Research by McCallum (2012), Stott (2016), Munir (2011), and Alusala (2016) further emphasizes that the spread of SALWs has dire implications for peace, security, and development. The impact is particularly severe on human and national security. Civilians often bear the brunt of this proliferation, as small arms are frequently employed in criminal activities and armed violence. These include insurgency, transnational organized crime, terrorism, armed conflict, banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, among others. Given these realities, this study aims to critically examine and assess the illegal cross-border proliferation of small arms in Nigeria, with the goal of understanding its root causes, impacts, and potential solutions. 1.3  Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to examine the Illicit Cross-Border Movement and Proliferation of Small Arms 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 Research hypotheses The stated hypothess have been formulated to guide the study H0: Illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation does not have an impact on Nigeria national security Ha:Illegal cross border proliferation of small arms proliferation does have an impact on Nigeria national security 1.6  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. 1.7 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. 1.8 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. 1.9 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.