EFFECTS OF PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPON ACROSS NIGERIA - CAMEROON BORDERS

The study examines the Effects of proliferation of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria – Cameroon borders. The objectives are to examine the causes, sources, implication of proliferation of SALW on insurgency along Nigeria-Cameroun Borders, and examine the challenges faced by the security agents to avert proliferation of SALW along Nigeria - Cameroun Borders. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative method of data collection. Primary data was obtained using Key Informant Interview as the instrument for Data Collection and secondary data were obtained from relevant stored documents concerning SALW along Nigeria-Cameroon border. The findings revealed that the proliferation of SALWs in Nigerian Cameroon borders is precipitated by the desire of the diverse ethnic groups in the state to defend themselves and their means of livelihoods which is fundamental to their existence as a people. This informed the ethnic conflicts in the state among neighbors who engage in different trade for survival. Borno, and Adamawa state are major route where arms and ammunition are smuggled into Taraba state where the ethnic conflict between Tiv and Jukun continues unabated. Even though Taraba state has borders with Cameroon, it is much easier to transport these arms through Adamawa state because of proximity, similar cross-border language and the various illegal routes in Adamawa State. The study further revelled that Boko-Haram insurgency in Borno and Adamawa state most especially in Maiduguri, Madagali, Michika and Mubi axis has made some communities to look inwards to produce arms to resist the onslaughts of the insurgents. These arms today are in the hands of civilian population in the state. The findings also shows that the spate of kidnapping in the state and the fact that the security agencies encourage victims relations and friends to negotiate with kidnappers without conscious attempt to rescue the victims has encouraged the acquisition of small arms for kidnapping which is seen as a lucrative business. The study recommended that border security should be enhanced by patrolling both the legal and illegal entry and exit points.