THE IMPACT OF ILLICIT FLOWS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN BORNO STATE NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA 1999-2025.

Abstract

Illicit flows of Small Arms and Light Weapons remains one of the most protracted and dangerous trade in modern international relations. The motivation for this study stems from the destructive nature of the illegal flows of Small Arms and Light Weapons in other countries and Nigeria. that has caused loss of lives and property, criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and pastoral farmers conflicts that has led to thousands of deaths. The study adopted The Failed State Theory as the best that fits into the study. The study employed a qualitative, document-based methodology, analyzing how illicit flows of Findings indicated that illicit flows of Small Arms and Light weapons in Nigeria has caused problems to the national security. The study revealed that the illicit flows of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria has caused great havocs in terms of loss of lives and property, insurgency and perennial pastoral farmers conflicts in Nigeria. The study recommends that the sources of these illicit flows of arms should be blocked and the criminal elements carrying those acts should be prosecuted if found guilty.