Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper will examined the issue of arms trafficking in Nigeria, analyzing the possibilities and constraints associated with combating this illicit trade. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has posed significant challenges to national security, stability and development in the country. This chapter will explored the underlying factors contributing to arms trafficking and assesses the efforts made by the Nigerian government and international stakeholders. The chapter discusses the possibilities of addressing arms trafficking in Nigeria through enhanced law enforcement, intelligence sharing and border control measures. Strengthening the capacity of security agencies, such as the police, customs and immigration is crucial for effective interdiction and prosecution of arms traffickers. The chapter talks of the need to leveraging technology and modernizing arms trafficking systems which aid in identifying illicit arms transfers and tracing their origins. However, there numerous constraints which hinder the success of combating arms trafficking in Nigeria, Institutional weakness, corruption, limited resources and inadequate legislation contribute to the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the vastness of Nigeria’s borders and the presence of ungoverned spaces complicated efforts to monitor and control the flow of arms. International cooperation is essential in addressing arms trafficking in Nigeria. There is the need to enhance collaboration with neighboring countries, regional organizations and international partners can facilitate information sharing, intelligence gathering and joint operations. This will address the root causes of arms trafficking, such as poverty, inequality and political instability. It is crucial in achieving long-term success in combating this illicit trade. This paper adopts a qualitative descriptive research design to examine the possibilities and constraints associated with combating arms trafficking in Nigeria. The paper relies on secondary sources of data, including textbooks, scholarly journal articles, government publications, policy documents, reports from international organizations, and relevant web-based materials. Data are collected through documentary review and analyzed using content analysis. The method enables the researcher to identify and examine key themes relating to the causes of arms trafficking, institutional challenges, law enforcement responses, international cooperation, and policy measures aimed at curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The study acknowledges limitations associated with reliance on secondary data, including issues of data availability, reliability, and the absence of primary stakeholder perspectives.
Authors: Arinze Ngwube, Chuka Okoli, Jemima Omidiora
Institution: Federal University Oye Ekiti
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203769682