Uncovering the Major Drivers Behind Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The spread of SALW in Northwestern Nigeria has intensified banditry, communal attacks, kidnapping, and insecurity. Guided by the Jurgen and Muggah theory, this study examines why weapons are acquired and how they circulate across the region. The analysis draws on Key Informant Interviews conducted with 25 respondents across five Northwestern states, supported by secondary sources. Findings show illiteracy, perceived injustice, economic marginalization, illegal mining, community self-defense, weak governance, and poor judicial enforcement drive demand for ammunition. These motivations are sustained by porous borders, instability in the Sahel, smuggling networks, limited security capacity, and evolving trafficking routes. Together, these factors reinforce a cycle of violence among bandits, militias, criminal groups, and affected communities. The study concludes that proliferation reflects governance and socio-economic failures rather than a stand-alone security issue and calls for a  multidimensional response that strengthens border control, improves security capacity, and supports regional cooperation, justice reform, and community-based disarmament.