International Organizations and the Operational Challenges of Arms Proliferation in Conflict Zones: Evidence from Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines how the unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) undermines international aid efforts in conflict-prone areas, with a particular focus on northwestern Nigeria. Despite regional and global treaties, technical assistance, and funding from organizations like ECOWAS, the United Nations, and the European Union, implementation often stalls. Porous borders, weak enforcement, local distrust, and bureaucratic inertia leave key programs exposed and ineffective. This study the research identifies how armed violence reshapes humanitarian access, disrupts mobility, and undermines the effectiveness of international interventions. The study examines regional cooperation in curbing the spread of arms proliferation, drawing on the theory of structural realism. Drawing on 25 semi-structured interviews and qualitative data collected across five high-risk states, namely Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Jigawa. Additionally, this study examines the impact of armed violence on the access, mobility, and engagement of relief agencies on the ground. It finds that treaties and reintegration initiatives often fall short when local institutions lack capacity or coordination. The work also highlights the gap between international planning and the realities of volatile regions, where rural communities are left stranded, and operational teams are forced to retreat to urban centers. In highlighting these structural and situational barriers, the study proposes policy recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight, enhancing local partnerships, and adapting arms control frameworks to address the on-the-ground challenges of conflict zones, such as Nigeria.