Arms proliferation and the crisis of cult supremacy and insecurity in Ogoniland Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the nexus between arms proliferation and the crisis of cult supremacy and insecurity in Ogoniland of Rivers State. It adopted the Anomie Theory as propounded by Emile Durkheim and Strain Theory of Crime by Robert Merton. The central thrust of these theories is that attention is focused on the relationship between a person’s socio economic condition and the possibility that the person would commit either crime or delinquency. The study argues that the vulnerable economically misbalance youth population took advantage of the porous nature of the waterways and engaged in arms struggle in the area. This is due to the lack of functional institutional framework to regulate the trade in illicit arms especially in the Niger Delta region, which is responsible for the influx of small arms and light weapon into the hands of non-state actors. This has generated persistent crises and insecurity among communities and the different cult groups over territorial supremacy in Ogoniland. The study also reveals that the political actors in the area equally mastermind cult related crisis for the purpose of political dominance. The study posits that only structured and sustainable policies and empowerment programmes can help to reduce cult crisis and insecurity in Ogoniland of Rivers state. The study recommends that government should initiate a functional strategy of controlling the trade in small arms and light weapons. Equally security at the borders and along the waterways in Ogoniland should be strengthened to check in inflow of arms.