Blocking the Capacity for Local Production of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW): A Road to Peacebuilding in Northeast Nigeria

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) are now regarded in global security discourse as one of the threats to collective, regional and individual states’ peace and security. SALW are weapons that could either be operated by an individual or a small group of people and they consist of revolvers, semi-automatic machine guns, projectiles, grenades and related ones. In 2018, SIPRI reported that the total global arms trade in 2017 was valued at $95 billion, while weapons export was valued at $27.6. Nigeria is now perceived as the hotspot for the emergence of SALW where the UN reported in 2018 that more than 70% of the weapons in West Africa are located in the country and the hands of illicit groups. The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria has been attributed to the ability and training acquired by the armed groups in local production, particularly in Northeast Nigeria. The main objective of this research is to investigate deeply the local capacity for the production of SALW by armed groups and other illicit groups in the Northeast as a panacea to peacebuilding in the region. The study used the research design of a qualitative method of data collection and analysis. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source consisted of an interview conducted using questionnaires prepared using a semi-structured pattern. An in-depth interview was conducted with relevant stakeholders in the subject matter of the study. The data collected were discussed, analysed and interpreted using content analysis. The study presented practical policy implications by providing policy frameworks and models for a permanent remedy that will eliminate illegal proliferation, production and possession of SALW in Northeast Nigeria to counter violent armed groups and insurgency.