International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 14(3), pp. 120-128, August 2026

ISSN: 2360-7866

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijarer2026430

 

Full Length Research

 

 

INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANIES (PMCS) AND SMALL ARMS

 

1OGUNMILADE, Adekunle and 2OWU, Erukpe Roger

 

1Department of Office Technology and Management, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State. 2Department of Office Technology and Management, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State. E-mail;Owuroger2019@gmail.com. Phone No: 08034504675

Corresponding author’s Email: adekunleogunmilade22@gmail.com. Tel. 08146060230,  

Accepted 20 August 2026

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the issues of insecurity and small arms proliferation in Nigeria. It reviews the theoretical perspectives on security in order to unravel the cause of insecurity and the consequent arms proliferation in Nigeria. It argues that poverty, couched as the non-fulfillment of basic human needs, underlines the raging conflicts in the country and has been aggravated by breakdown of state institutions which ought to medicate the process of individual and collective self-actualization. The paper also takes a swipe at the external environments especially the role of Private Military Companies (PMSCs). The issue of violent crimes and illegal weapons are social problems confronting the country must be addressed and viable solutions must be proffered because if the informed input that can be made by those called upon to do so are take seriously Nigeria will be better for it. The paper concludes by suggesting that the government must reduce the level of unemployment in Nigeria, as political instability is encouraged by the high level of unemployment. Many graduates possess the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute to economic growth but are unemployed. Strengthening prosecution and legal actions to ensure perpetrators of offences such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, or kidnapping are swiftly apprehended, prosecuted, and held to account under the law.

 

Key Words: Arms proliferation; Small arms; Private military companies

Paper type: research