AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SALW PROLIFERATION IN WEST AFRICA

The risks connected to the influx of light and small arms into Nigeria in particular and the African continent in general have been covered in the book. In our case study area of Kano State the study has demonstrated the implications created by the widespread availability of SALW towards the escalation of various categories of violence and conflict. The research was conducted using system theory and fragility state theory as guiding principles. The study generates information to examine the issues surrounding SALW in Nigeria using both primary and secondary data. The research suggested that in order to ensure that illegal porous borders are managed the security framework structure in Africa needed to work together to address the issueof the proliferation of SALW in the continent. The legal framework for locally manufactured arms along with the strengthening of our security formations aims to protect our borders and engage traditional institutions and local communities in the fight against the spread of small arms and light weapons throughout Africa.