Historicizing the Phenomena of Militancy and the Re-Emergence of Economic Crimes in the Post-Amnesty Niger Delta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31150/ajshr.v4i10.2487Keywords:
Small and light, militancy, proliferation of arms, Niger Delta, Economic crimesAbstract
This research analysed the post-amnesty Niger Delta area and its current state in relation to militancy, small guns and light weapons, and the reappearance of economic crimes. A historical excursus was undertaken to identify its origins, sources, and proliferations of arms and plethora of unwholesome activities in the region. Primary and secondary sources were used in this study to complete the historical research methodology. Secondary source analysis and primary sources synthesis served as the background for this process. The study established that Europeans freely supplied guns to encourage Niger Delta people to embark on slave raids and other economic crimes during the Atlantic trade era. The crude oil economy accentuated its complexity and sophistication. The findings of the study revealed that the proliferation of light weapons and the return of economic crimes in recent years have become commonplace and constitute serious threats to the lives of people, the peace of the region, and its economic growth. The study further revealed that militancy, small guns, and economic crimes had persisted for decades. The study also found that eradicating militancy, stopping the spread of weapons, and preventing economic crimes all need substantial investments in human capital. In order to reduce the prevalence of militancy, the spread of small arms and light weapons, and the resurgence of economic crimes in the Niger Delta, the study recommended that the Federal government and oil companies should collaborate with host communities to invest in the region's economic and social development.
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