A security expert, Prof. Usman Tar, says the influx of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) is fueling the security challenges in the country.
Tar who is the Dean, of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, said this in a virtual presentation during a security conference organized by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The 2nd Annual International Conference with the theme “Multiple Dimensions of Human Security: Prognosis, Challenges, and Panacea in a Globalized World’, was held on Wednesday.
“One of the factors that contribute to a high level of insecurity across the country and sub-African regions is the proliferation of SALWs,” he said.
This, he added, was “a result of their availability at cheap prices in the black market, facilitated by contemporary globalization.
“This has greatly altered the object and subject of security, as the individual became the object of threat much more than the state.
“While globalization provides a dynamic scenario for the management of national, regional, and global security, it also provided subversive forces and breeding ground to counter the home states.
“These clandestine structures and networks threaten national, regional, and global securities,” he said.
Tar, a Professor of Defence and Security Studies, added that human security management measures should be adopted at all levels to counter threats from the ugly impact of globalization.
“The easiest way to solve security challenges in a developing country like Nigeria is through development.
“That will ensure job security, health security, food security, among others, as well as ensure the fundamental rights of citizens,” he said.
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In his remark, Prof Charles Igwe, Vice Chancellor of UNN, said that the international conference was targeted at human survival.
“The unsettling of a nation’s security apparatus and the outbreak of full-blown crises has created new opportunities for terrorists, insurgents, and criminal groups to thrive and expand.
“We aim to use the conference to disseminate the results of research, innovations, and development in human security at national, regional, and global levels.
“The conference is also expected to develop an early warning system and identify areas where there is a gap in knowledge.
“And priorities for further research on ways and means of fighting the present and future security challenges,” he said.
Igwe who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Johnson Urama, urged the participants to proffer solutions to the present security challenges facing the country.
Earlier, Prof Chidi Nzeadibe, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, said it was organized by the University to address issues of global concern.
He thanked the delegates, including the vice chancellor and Tar for their support and for sharing their experiences and ideas.
Some of the participants in an interview with NAN expressed appreciation to UNN for organizing the conference.
They described it as apt and timely, given the present security challenges in the country.
