A recent report from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) sheds light on civilian weapon possession in the North East of Nigeria, revealing unexpectedly low rates compared to national and regional averages.
The study, titled ‘Factors driving weapons holding in the North East of Nigeria,’ investigates whether individuals, particularly former associates of Boko Haram and community security groups, are retaining or rearming to support disarmament efforts and reduce armed violence.
Contrary to concerns, the report found that prior association with Boko Haram does not significantly increase the likelihood of holding weapons.
In fact, former Boko Haram associates exhibit slightly lower rates of weapon possession compared to unaffiliated community members.
The UNIDIR’s Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC) findings are based on data collected from three surveys conducted across the North East of Nigeria spanning from February 2022 to November 2023.
Despite a decade-long insurgency in the region, weapons holding is notably low when compared to both national and regional data from other conflict-affected areas in Nigeria.
For instance, the Southeast region reports approximately 38% of civilians believed to possess firearms, with indications that the actual weapons holding rate could be even higher.
Nationwide, household firearms possession stands at about 14%. Despite factors such as the prolonged insurgency, the arming of civilian community security actors, and illicit cross-border trafficking, reported weapons holding in the North East is considerably lower than anticipated, ranging from 10-20% depending on the survey.
Interestingly, the report highlights that women and girls who had been associated with Boko Haram did not have access to weapons.
This adds a nuanced perspective to the study’s findings, emphasizing gender-specific patterns in weapon possession within the context of the region’s complex dynamics.
