Armed to the Hilt: Nigeria's Battle with Illicit Gun and Local Production in a State of Fragility

Abstract

Nigeria is now battling the spread of illegal weapons, which is stoking a number of security concerns that jeopardise its national sovereignty. The Nigerian firearms legislation is essentially unenforceable due to its ineffectiveness and numerous loopholes. One reason for concern is the blacksmith's ability to produce enough armed weapons. This study uses secondary sources, including newspapers, the internet, and previously published academic works, in conjunction with qualitative research methodologies. The results indicate that Nigeria's gun laws did not reflect contemporary realities. The study also highlighted that the leniency of penalties for manufacturing, possessing, and using illicit firearms under the existing laws does not effectively deter individuals. The minimal sentences and fines fail to dissuade offenders, leading to the proliferation of firearms and emboldening criminal behaviour. The paper underscores the implications of local manufacturing of arms in the current state of fragility. It recommends collaborative efforts across all levels of government to address issues of loopholes in the Nigerian firearms legislation. Also strengthening enforcement, public awareness campaigns, regular review and updates of the firearms legislation, community engagement, and harmonising firearms laws with other subnational, national, and regional regulations to prevent loopholes.

Keywords

• illicit arms
• local production
• firearms law
• state fragility
• nigeria