IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT POLICY RESPONSES TO WEAPONS PROLIFERATION AND NON-STATE ACTORS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of development policy responses to weapons proliferation and non-state actors in Northern Nigeria. The analysis examines how state and non-state actors interact within the regional security framework, with a specific focus on the implications of chemical, nuclear, and conventional weapons proliferation. Northern Nigeria has experienced significant security challenges, including the emergence of armed groups such as Boko Haram, bandit groups, and other non-state actors that have disrupted governance and economic stability. The research employs a multi-dimensional analytical framework that integrates political science, security studies, and development policy to evaluate the effectiveness of state-led initiatives in addressing these threats. Key findings indicate that development policies in Northern Nigeria have been largely reactive rather than proactive in managing non-state actor proliferation. The study identifies critical gaps in policy coordination between federal and state institutions, as well as inadequate resource allocation for security infrastructure. Evidence suggests that non-state actors have increasingly leveraged economic incentives and social networks to undermine state authority, particularly in regions with weak governance structures. The analysis also reveals that international development frameworks have not sufficiently addressed the unique security challenges posed by non-state actors in Nigeria's context. This research contributes to the broader discourse on security governance by highlighting the need for integrated approaches that combine military, economic, and social interventions. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers to strengthen institutional resilience and enhance coordination mechanisms between state and non-state actors in Northern Nigeria. The findings underscore the importance of context-specific strategies that account for the complex interplay between security threats and development objectives.