IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON INTERNAL SECURITY IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In recent years, the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has become a growing threat to peace, stability, and internal security across many parts of Nigeria, including Kwara State. This study investigates the major sources and drivers of SALW proliferation, examines the roles of state and non-state actors in mitigating or exacerbating the spread of illicit weapons, and explores how the availability of SALW contributes to emerging security challenges within the state. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of this multidimensional security problem. A total sample of 384 civilian respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques, while purposive sampling guided the selection of security officials for interviews. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS (version 25), while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to enrich and contextualise the numerical results. Findings revealed that porous borders, artisanal gun production, political thuggery, corruption among security operatives, and the activities of criminal networks are major contributors to the proliferation of SALW in Kwara State. The study also discovered that although security agencies such as the police, military, customs, and community vigilante groups contribute to arms control, these efforts are undermined by inadequate resources, weak coordination, and institutional gaps. The availability of SALW seriously fuels armed robbery, kidnapping, cult violence, and general insecurity, thereby weakening public safety and hindering development. The study identified several state and non-state responses, including police patrols, joint military operations, border surveillance, community vigilance groups, and public awareness campaigns. However, challenges such as limited funding, poor inter-agency collaboration, weak community engagement, and insufficient technological support persist. The study concludes that SALW proliferation is a complex and systemic issue driven by socio-economic, political, and security-related factors. It recommends strengthening border control, enhancing community-security collaboration, improving intelligence gathering, and promoting youth empowerment initiatives to reduce the demand and supply of illegal weapons in Kwara State.