Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States

Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh; Bob Odey Ushie; Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States

Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh^*

, Bob Odey Ushie

, Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo

Published in Journal of Political Science and International Relations (Volume 9, Issue 1)

Received: 4 January 2026 Accepted: 19 January 2026 Published: 30 January 2026

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Abstract

The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of insecurity across the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, exacerbating violent conflicts, criminal activities, and community displacement. The study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of SALWs proliferation on internal security, as well as the effectiveness of existing government policies and potential strategies to curb illicit arms circulation. A systematic mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure methodological triangulation and robust findings. Quantitative data were collected from 395 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from 30 key informants via in-depth interviews, including security personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors. The results indicate that SALWs proliferation remains alarmingly high, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting increased availability and widespread access in their communities. The result indicates that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between all the identified risk-factors: unemployment and poverty (χ² = 276.78, p < 0.001), ineffective border management (χ² = 212.05, p < 0.001), communal violence (χ² = 226.05, p < 0.001), corruption (χ² = 348.66, p < 0.001), and political instability (χ² = 231.27, p < 0.001)—have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the prevalence of SALWs proliferation in the BAY States. The result further revealed that SALWs proliferation has a significant and multidimensional negative effect on internal security, manifesting in violent conflicts, criminality, displacement, and the erosion of state authority. The result also revealed that there is a statistically significant and negative relationship between implementation challenges and the effectiveness of arms control policies, confirming that arms control policies were largely perceived as ineffective due to poor enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and policy gaps. The study concludes that SALWs proliferation in the BAY States is sustained by a complex interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and political factors, posing severe threats to internal security. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination, enforce firearms laws strictly, implement youth-focused economic empowerment programs, and engage communities through awareness campaigns and collaborative disarmament initiatives. These measures are critical to curbing illicit arms circulation and fostering sustainable security in the region.

Published in	Journal of Political Science and International Relations (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
Page(s)	9-29
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs), Arms Proliferation, Internal Security, BAY States

References

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Sheikh, M. A., Ushie, B. O., Adebayo, S. A. (2026). Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 9(1), 9-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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ACS Style

Sheikh, M. A.; Ushie, B. O.; Adebayo, S. A. Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. J. Polit. Sci. Int. Relat. 2026, 9(1), 9-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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AMA Style

Sheikh MA, Ushie BO, Adebayo SA. Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. J Polit Sci Int Relat. 2026;9(1):9-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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@article{10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12,
  author = {Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh and Bob Odey Ushie and Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo},
  title = {Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States},
  journal = {Journal of Political Science and International Relations},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  abstract = {The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of insecurity across the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, exacerbating violent conflicts, criminal activities, and community displacement. The study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of SALWs proliferation on internal security, as well as the effectiveness of existing government policies and potential strategies to curb illicit arms circulation. A systematic mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure methodological triangulation and robust findings. Quantitative data were collected from 395 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from 30 key informants via in-depth interviews, including security personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors. The results indicate that SALWs proliferation remains alarmingly high, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting increased availability and widespread access in their communities. The result indicates that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between all the identified risk-factors: unemployment and poverty (χ2 = 276.78, p 2 = 212.05, p 2 = 226.05, p 2 = 348.66, p 2 = 231.27, p < 0.001)—have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the prevalence of SALWs proliferation in the BAY States. The result further revealed that SALWs proliferation has a significant and multidimensional negative effect on internal security, manifesting in violent conflicts, criminality, displacement, and the erosion of state authority. The result also revealed that there is a statistically significant and negative relationship between implementation challenges and the effectiveness of arms control policies, confirming that arms control policies were largely perceived as ineffective due to poor enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and policy gaps. The study concludes that SALWs proliferation in the BAY States is sustained by a complex interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and political factors, posing severe threats to internal security. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination, enforce firearms laws strictly, implement youth-focused economic empowerment programs, and engage communities through awareness campaigns and collaborative disarmament initiatives. These measures are critical to curbing illicit arms circulation and fostering sustainable security in the region.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States
AU  - Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh
AU  - Bob Odey Ushie
AU  - Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
T2  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JF  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JO  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
SP  - 9
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-2785
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
AB  - The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of insecurity across the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, exacerbating violent conflicts, criminal activities, and community displacement. The study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of SALWs proliferation on internal security, as well as the effectiveness of existing government policies and potential strategies to curb illicit arms circulation. A systematic mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure methodological triangulation and robust findings. Quantitative data were collected from 395 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from 30 key informants via in-depth interviews, including security personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors. The results indicate that SALWs proliferation remains alarmingly high, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting increased availability and widespread access in their communities. The result indicates that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between all the identified risk-factors: unemployment and poverty (χ2 = 276.78, p 2 = 212.05, p 2 = 226.05, p 2 = 348.66, p 2 = 231.27, p < 0.001)—have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the prevalence of SALWs proliferation in the BAY States. The result further revealed that SALWs proliferation has a significant and multidimensional negative effect on internal security, manifesting in violent conflicts, criminality, displacement, and the erosion of state authority. The result also revealed that there is a statistically significant and negative relationship between implementation challenges and the effectiveness of arms control policies, confirming that arms control policies were largely perceived as ineffective due to poor enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and policy gaps. The study concludes that SALWs proliferation in the BAY States is sustained by a complex interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and political factors, posing severe threats to internal security. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination, enforce firearms laws strictly, implement youth-focused economic empowerment programs, and engage communities through awareness campaigns and collaborative disarmament initiatives. These measures are critical to curbing illicit arms circulation and fostering sustainable security in the region.
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh

Department of Aviation Business, African Aviation & Aerospace University, Abuja, Nigeria

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http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6318-7763
Bob Odey Ushie

Department of Political Science and International Relations, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3686-8245
Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo

Department of Public Admnistration, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, Nigeria

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http://orcid.org/0009-0005-6714-3457

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Sheikh, M. A., Ushie, B. O., Adebayo, S. A. (2026). Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 9(1), 9-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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ACS Style

Sheikh, M. A.; Ushie, B. O.; Adebayo, S. A. Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. J. Polit. Sci. Int. Relat. 2026, 9(1), 9-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

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AMA Style

Sheikh MA, Ushie BO, Adebayo SA. Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. J Polit Sci Int Relat. 2026;9(1):9-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12,
  author = {Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh and Bob Odey Ushie and Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo},
  title = {Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States},
  journal = {Journal of Political Science and International Relations},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jpsir.20260901.12},
  abstract = {The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of insecurity across the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, exacerbating violent conflicts, criminal activities, and community displacement. The study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of SALWs proliferation on internal security, as well as the effectiveness of existing government policies and potential strategies to curb illicit arms circulation. A systematic mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure methodological triangulation and robust findings. Quantitative data were collected from 395 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from 30 key informants via in-depth interviews, including security personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors. The results indicate that SALWs proliferation remains alarmingly high, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting increased availability and widespread access in their communities. The result indicates that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between all the identified risk-factors: unemployment and poverty (χ2 = 276.78, p 2 = 212.05, p 2 = 226.05, p 2 = 348.66, p 2 = 231.27, p < 0.001)—have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the prevalence of SALWs proliferation in the BAY States. The result further revealed that SALWs proliferation has a significant and multidimensional negative effect on internal security, manifesting in violent conflicts, criminality, displacement, and the erosion of state authority. The result also revealed that there is a statistically significant and negative relationship between implementation challenges and the effectiveness of arms control policies, confirming that arms control policies were largely perceived as ineffective due to poor enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and policy gaps. The study concludes that SALWs proliferation in the BAY States is sustained by a complex interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and political factors, posing severe threats to internal security. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination, enforce firearms laws strictly, implement youth-focused economic empowerment programs, and engage communities through awareness campaigns and collaborative disarmament initiatives. These measures are critical to curbing illicit arms circulation and fostering sustainable security in the region.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Policy Deficits and the Arms Dilemma: Examining Small Arms Proliferation and Security Threats in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States
AU  - Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh
AU  - Bob Odey Ushie
AU  - Stephen Adeyemi Adebayo
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
T2  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JF  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
JO  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
SP  - 9
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-2785
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20260901.12
AB  - The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of insecurity across the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, exacerbating violent conflicts, criminal activities, and community displacement. The study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of SALWs proliferation on internal security, as well as the effectiveness of existing government policies and potential strategies to curb illicit arms circulation. A systematic mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure methodological triangulation and robust findings. Quantitative data were collected from 395 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from 30 key informants via in-depth interviews, including security personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors. The results indicate that SALWs proliferation remains alarmingly high, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting increased availability and widespread access in their communities. The result indicates that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between all the identified risk-factors: unemployment and poverty (χ2 = 276.78, p 2 = 212.05, p 2 = 226.05, p 2 = 348.66, p 2 = 231.27, p < 0.001)—have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the prevalence of SALWs proliferation in the BAY States. The result further revealed that SALWs proliferation has a significant and multidimensional negative effect on internal security, manifesting in violent conflicts, criminality, displacement, and the erosion of state authority. The result also revealed that there is a statistically significant and negative relationship between implementation challenges and the effectiveness of arms control policies, confirming that arms control policies were largely perceived as ineffective due to poor enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and policy gaps. The study concludes that SALWs proliferation in the BAY States is sustained by a complex interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and political factors, posing severe threats to internal security. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination, enforce firearms laws strictly, implement youth-focused economic empowerment programs, and engage communities through awareness campaigns and collaborative disarmament initiatives. These measures are critical to curbing illicit arms circulation and fostering sustainable security in the region.
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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