** New anti -crime operation in Nigeria: a complex fight against arms trafficking and insecurity **
Nigeria, a country of undeniable cultural and economic wealth, is currently faced with major security challenges that test its social fabric. Among these challenges, arms trafficking is a crucial issue for national stability. Recently, the arrest of more than 30 soldiers and police suspected of being involved in a network of arms trafficking to armed groups, including jihadist factions, highlights deep issues.
### Complex context
The “snowball” military operation, launched to counter this traffic, is part of persistent violence. Over the past 15 years, northeast Nigeria has been the scene of a complex jihadist insurrection, fed by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP). These armed entities exploit the faults of the company and popular frustrations to recruit and set up. The abductions, conflicts between farmers and breeders, as well as separatist movements in the Southeast add layers of complexity to an already tense situation.
A study commissioned by the Conflict Armament Research Research Center (CAR) stresses that almost 20 % of the weapons used by jihadist groups come from flights or raids against military deposits. This alarming observation raises questions about the management of military resources and on the possible internal complicities. The revelation that some soldiers take advantage of the situation to divert weapons to extremist actors throws a disturbing shadow on the Nigerian armed forces.
### Implications for these arrests
Recent arrests, which affect both soldiers and civilians, include an gunsmith and a police inspector. By this action, the Nigerian army seems asserted in its desire to fight against this scourge. However, the situation raises concerns about governance and responsibility within security institutions. If such abuses occur, how can we strengthen confidence between the population and the security forces? Soldiers, motivated by greed, testify to a transparent failure of internal control mechanisms and an urgent need for reform.
Borno’s state governor Babagana Zulum talks about a double game among some political and military leaders, accusing some of them to cooperate with Boko Haram. This situation not only questions the structure of power within Nigeria, but also the need for a more inclusive dialogue to gather various votes on the ground. How can these accusations be examined constructively, by engaging all stakeholders in conversations worthy of the name?
### to sustainable security
The Nigerian army has promised severe sanctions and a continuation of efforts to combat arms trafficking in eleven states. However, the question remains: what strategy adopted will truly stop the cycle of violence? The involvement of the international community to attend the training and restructuring of the army, education on resource management, and the creation of prevention programs at community level could play a fundamental role.
Efforts will only be fruitful if they are accompanied by a real commitment to send the deep causes of violence: poverty, lack of education, and an absence of future prospects for young people. The situation also requires transparency of action and implementation of adapted responsibility mechanisms to integrate all actors, both military and civil level.
### Conclusion
The fight against arms trafficking and security instability in Nigeria is a long -term struggle that requires a nuanced and holistic approach. Recent arrests could be a sign of a desire for firmness in the face of crime, but they must be considered an opportunity to rethink the dynamics of power and strengthen the mechanisms of responsibility. Through a concerted commitment and the establishment of deep reforms, Nigeria could move towards a future where security and confidence between citizens and their government are not only ideals, but tangible realities.