International Journal of Management, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies (IJMSSPCS), Vol.3 No.2 June, 2020; p.g. 71 – 83; ISSN: 2682-6135(Print), ISSN: 2682-6127(online) A REFLECTION OF SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION… 71 A REFLECTION OF SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA AVER, TYAVWASE THEOPHILUS Department of Sociology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Email: theophilusaver@yahoo.com Mobile: +234 (0) 8030837707; 8054608007 Abstract The security implications of small arms and light weapons proliferation is one of the greatest threats to human and resources the North Central Nigeria is confronted with in recent times. The phenomenon has become the basis for incessant crises and killings in North Central Nigeria. In this discourse, attempt is made to understand the security implications of small arms and light weapons proliferation in the zone using the conflict theoretical framework. The paper identified the causative factors of small arms and light weapons in North Central Nigeria. The implications of the trend revolve around killings and destruction of both economic and social activities in North Central Nigeria. The paper concludes that the security implication of small arms and light weapons in this zone should be vigorously investigated to identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The paper recommends that, federal government in collaboration with national assembly and non-governmental organizations should strengthen legislation and control for the possession, use and transfer of small arms and light weapons in North Central Nigeria. The government should ensure that all the culprits involved in this heinous crime should be punished. Keywords: Reflection, Security Implications, Small Arms, Weapons Proliferation, North Central Nigeria. Introduction The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has become one of the major security problems confronting the whole world today especially in especially in the developing countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa. The wide availability of these weapons influences political instability, communal conflict as such posing a great threat to not only lives and property but also sustainable development (Ngboawaji, 2011). The widespread proliferation of small arms and light weapons is contributing greatly to high levels of armed crime, and militancy although there are no reliable and accurate data on the number of arms and weapons in the world (Aver, Nnorom & Ilim, 2014). For instance, countries like Yemen, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan and Syria among others have suffered from the menace of small arms and light weapons proliferation. In Africa the availability of small arms have direct influence on the escalation security implications. It is on record that many African countries have experienced their test of small arms and light weapons from 1980s, 1990s, 2000 to date (Eloma, Ugwumba & Abang 2014). For instance, the genocide in Rwanda, the almost decade long conflict in Liberia (1989-1997), the Sierra Leone crisis, the bloody crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Burundi, Ghana, South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria and Guinea these violent conflicts were as a result