Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has stated that Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend themselves when faced with immediate danger, but emphasized that this does not grant a general right to bear arms. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Bwala explained that self-defence is legally recognized in situations where an individual is directly under threat.
“If I am in my house and you come in to harm me, any weapon I use in defending myself is guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. “You have the right to defend yourselves.”
Self-defence within legal limits
Bwala clarified that Nigerians do not have unrestricted rights to possess or carry arms beyond what is permitted by law. He stressed that self-defence must be exercised within constitutional boundaries.
Community-based security initiatives
Bwala further said that communities facing insecurity can take collective steps to improve their safety, especially in areas with limited security presence. He pointed to existing vigilante structures in parts of the country, including the North-East, where local groups work alongside security agencies to provide intelligence and support frontline operations.
According to him, such community-based security arrangements already exist in places like Borno State, where local groups operate as part of broader security efforts against insurgency.
Regulated militias as a solution
He added that communities in areas affected by insecurity can come together to form organized structures, but such arrangements must be properly regulated and approved by government authorities. Bwala described this as a “self-regulated militia,” noting that it would require official licensing and coordination with security agencies before becoming operational.
He referenced past examples where community-led initiatives were used to address local security challenges, saying similar approaches could help improve response in areas where formal security presence is limited.
Complementing government efforts
While stressing that the Nigerian state remains responsible for security, Bwala argued that structured community involvement could complement government efforts in tackling insecurity. His comments come amid ongoing national debate over rising insecurity in parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgent attacks, which have continued to affect rural and semi-urban communities.
The interview has since drawn attention due to his remarks on the possibility of organized, government-approved community security structures operating alongside existing law enforcement agencies.
