Presidency says Nigerians have right to self-defence amid insecurity concerns

The Presidency has said Nigerians have a constitutional right to defend themselves against attacks, amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.

 

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated this during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while reacting to the recent attack in Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

Gunmen had invaded L.A. Primary School in the community on Friday, abducting teachers and pupils.

 

Speaking on the incident, Bwala said the government remained committed to ending killings and insecurity across the country.

 

“Solution is what we all look to, evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government,” he said.

 

“You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence we will be able to put an end to it.”

 

He acknowledged public frustration over repeated attacks and assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to address the challenge.

 

“I know the Nigerian people will continue to complain because if, for example, no matter how we say that we are sorry and the incident happened again, people will complain, cry and mourn because it’s the life of Nigerian people that are taken away by evil elements,” he said.

 

“We will put an end to this as a people.”

 

Bwala also linked insecurity spikes to political periods, suggesting that violence often rises ahead of elections.

 

“Every eve of elections in Nigeria from 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026, you will see that crisis increases because of the idea of a crisis economy,” he said.

 

“A lot of people take advantage of that, but the will and spirit of the collective people is what will put an end to this situation.”

 

The presidential aide said citizens have a constitutional right to self-defence when under direct threat.

 

“The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence, you have the right to defend yourself,” he said.

 

“If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the constitution.”

 

He also encouraged community-based security collaboration through vigilante groups and intelligence sharing while noting that possession of certain weapons remains regulated by law.

 

“Nigerians don’t have the right to bear certain arms unless those arms are permitted, but collective people can come together to apply to the government for the right to coordinate themselves,” Bwala added.