Amid killings, kidnappings, presidency says Nigerians can defend themselves

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that the Federal Government is determined to end the wave of killings across the country, while affirming that Nigerians have a constitutional right to defend themselves against attackers.

Bwala made the remarks on Arise TV on Wednesday while reacting to the recent killings and abductions in the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

Gunmen had on Friday invaded LA Primary School in the area, abducting teachers and pupils in an incident that has triggered outrage and renewed debate over community security.

Addressing the security challenges, Bwala acknowledged public frustration but insisted that the government is committed to ending the violence.

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

He added that repeated incidents often heighten public anger and grief, especially as elections approach.

“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 happens again, people will complain, cry and mourn because it’s the lives of Nigerian people that are taken away by evil elements. We will put an end to this as a people,” Bwala stated.

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The presidential aide argued that insecurity tends to rise around election periods, citing previous years.

“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. 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,” he said.

Bwala emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to self-defence, particularly when faced with immediate threats.

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

However, he clarified that Nigerians do not have unrestricted rights to bear arms, noting that only weapons permitted by law can be legally possessed.

He further highlighted the role of community-based security initiatives, referencing vigilante groups and paramilitary structures in states such as Borno State, which often provide intelligence support to law enforcement agencies.

“As a people, we have vigilantes, and in Borno State we have paramilitary organisations that provide intelligence to law enforcement. Nigerians don’t have the right to bear certain arms unless those arms are permitted, but the collective people can come together to apply to the government for the right to coordinate themselves,” he added.

Security analysts say Bwala’s remarks reflect growing emphasis on community intelligence and grassroots participation in tackling insecurity, especially in rural areas where response times can be delayed.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring safety nationwide, Bwala urged citizens to collaborate with authorities, stressing that collective effort remains critical to overcoming the current security challenges.