This paper explores the connection between international arms flows, border porosity and domestic insecurity, with a specific focus on the origins and continuation of banditry in Nigeria. It argues that banditry arises not only from internal socio-economic issues but is also heavily supported by transnational networks trafficking illicit small arms and light weapons through Nigeria’s easily traversable borders. Grounded in State Fragility Theory, the Political Economy of Armed Violence, and Security Governance Theory, the research illustrates how insufficient border governance, corruption, and weak monitoring systems contribute to the influx and distribution of weapons, thus increasing the destructive potential and organizational strength of bandit factions. Methodologically, the study uses a qualitative research design and relies on documentary analysis of secondary data from scholarly literature, government security reports, policy documents, international organization publications and reliable media reports. To find trends connecting the spread of weapons, poor border control, and domestic insecurity, the data is subjected to thematic content analysis. The results show that uncontrolled arms trafficking and permeable borders combine with internal weaknesses including poor governance, rural marginalization, and lax law enforcement to strengthen banditry and erode state authority. In order to effectively combat banditry in Nigeria, the study’s conclusion suggests a multifaceted security strategy that incorporates improved border management institutions, regional weapons control cooperation, and socioeconomic development initiatives.
Keywords: Global Arms Flows, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs), Border Porosity, Internal Insecurity
Article-11-TASIU-March-2026