Latest report by SBM Intelligence has reiterated that non-state ac- tors are amassing firearms, outpacing law enforcement agencies in Nigeria in terms of the number of available firearms.
The report, which emphasised this development, was released by SBM Intelligence, highlighting the ongoing farmer-herder crisis in the country that has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
The report by SBM reads in part: “A 2020 report by SBM Intelligence for the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) estimates that civilian non-state actors possess approximately 6,145,000 small arms nationwide, while the combined arsenal of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies stands at about 586,600 firearms.”
“This imbalance has undermined the state’s monopoly on the use of force, enabling various armed groups to operate with impunity,” it further noted.
“The inability of security forces to effectively mediate conflicts or hold perpetrators accountable has emboldened not only armed Fulani groups but also criminal elements who exploit the situation for personal gain.”
“What began as a resource driven conflict has evolved into an organised crime network, with armed groups engaging in cattle rustling, kidnappings, and targeted attacks for ransom or territorial control.”
The report blamed the availability of firearms on the displacement of many people and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
“The widespread availability of small arms has intensified the violence, leading to mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.”
“The SBM-OSIWA report highlights that Nigeria’s internal security has been severely compromised, placing the country among the most terrorism-impacted countries globally, alongside Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.” “
Population growth has intensified the crisis, as human and livestock numbers have surged, placing immense pressure on already scarce land.”
This development comes amid continual deaths, kidnappings, and loss of lives blamed on criminal herders.
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