SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALWs) PROLIFERATION AND ESCALATING THREAT OF BANDITRY IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA

This study examines the extent to which small arms and light weapons (SALWs) proliferation contributes to the escalating insecurity in North Western Nigeria. The methodology of this study is based on information generated from primary and secondary sources and analysed through the qualitative method. The power elite theory was adopted in this study to substantiate the literature and the findings. The study reveals that the Northwest has become saturated with various calibres of sophisticated SALWs which has enabled bandit groups to carry out atrocities against unarmed civilian communities and government targets. The study also revealed that the impact of SALWs proliferation and banditry on human lives in the region has expanded over the years. It was recommended that an urgent move should be made by the government to contain the flow of SALWs; there should be a coordinated synergy and cooperation among various security formations, and there should be proper engagement with the border communities for efficient intelligence gathering and sharing. The provision of technology-driven facilities would enhance the performance of security agents to eliminate the flow of arms and contain armed banditry in the Northwest