The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Nigerians are constitutionally empowered to defend themselves against attackers, including in life-threatening situations, while stressing that the Federal Government is still working to tackle insecurity across the country.
Bwala made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reacted to recent violent incidents, including killings in Esiele community in Orire Local Government Area and the abduction of teachers and pupils of LA Primary School.
He explained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to self-defence, insisting that individuals are legally allowed to protect themselves when faced with imminent danger.
According to him, “the Constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence,” adding that Nigerians collectively also have the responsibility and right to protect one another in the face of threats.
Bwala, however, clarified that firearm possession remains regulated by law, noting that citizens do not have unrestricted rights to bear arms except as permitted. He added that communities can, within legal frameworks, organise themselves and seek government approval to coordinate collective security efforts.
He further said insecurity remains a global challenge but stressed that a combination of government action, citizen vigilance, and intelligence sharing is key to addressing it. He also pointed to the role of vigilante groups and local security structures in supporting formal law enforcement, while urging collective responsibility in tackling violence across the country.
Elijah Adeyemi
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