Social Impact of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in North-Central Nigeria

This study was funded by the Nigeria Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in respect of years 2011 – 2014 TETFund Research grant. The authors thank and appreciate the Management of TETFund, and the Federal Polytechnic Idah Kogi Nigeria, for making this research work a reality. Abstract Proliferation of small arms and light weapons have threatened the peace and harmonious co-existence of states across the globe considering the fact that such increases crimes and heightened insecurity. This study is conducted to examine the social and legal implications of the proliferation of small arms and the light weapons in North-central Nigeria. The study adopts descriptive research survey design. The population of the study is 34,618 from selected internal displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue, Plateau States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, the study obtained a sample size of 3491, using the godden sample size statistical technique. More so, the study used a structured questionnaire as its research instrument. Out of the total of 3491 questionnaire distributed, only 2814 were duly completed and returned given 80% retrieval rate. The study analyzed data using frequencies and percentages for demographic information of respondents, while research questions were analyzed using a five point’s likert scale with mean criteria of 3.00 as the minimum value for acceptance. In addition, the hypotheses were tested using linear regression. The study revealed that a significant positive relationship exist between proliferation of small arms, light weapons and social, legal effects on the victims in North central Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that social institutions be strengthened to encourage and sustain social integration. Finally regulatory framework bordering on arms proliferation be strengthened to enable culprits be sanctioned appropriately. Keywords: Small arms, light weapons, proliferation. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-18-07 Publication date:September 30th 202