Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that Nigerians have a constitutional right to defend themselves against attackers, including in life-threatening situations, while maintaining that the federal government remains committed to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Bwala made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television while commenting on recent security incidents, including the killings in Esiele community in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the kidnapping of teachers and pupils from LA Primary School.
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution clearly provides citizens with the right to self-defence.
He explained that individuals are entitled to protect themselves whenever their lives are under threat, adding that when citizens collectively exercise that right, it amounts to a shared responsibility to defend communities against criminal attacks.
Bwala further noted that anyone confronted with a deadly threat in their home has the constitutional backing to use reasonable force in self-defence.
However, he clarified that the ownership and use of firearms remain subject to existing laws and regulations. He pointed out that Nigerians cannot possess prohibited weapons without government approval, although communities may legally seek permission to organise and coordinate local security measures.
Addressing the broader security situation, Bwala acknowledged that criminal activities are not unique to Nigeria, describing insecurity as a global challenge faced by governments worldwide.
He stated that while authorities continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes, success would also depend on public cooperation, intelligence sharing, and collective participation by citizens.
The presidential aide admitted that Nigerians would naturally continue to express anger and grief whenever attacks occur, stressing that repeated incidents involving loss of lives often leave citizens frustrated and heartbroken.
Despite the challenges, he assured that the country would eventually overcome the menace through united efforts by both government and the people.
Bwala also argued that insecurity tends to rise around election periods, citing patterns observed before previous election cycles in 2014, 2018, 2022, and the approaching 2026 political season.
According to him, some individuals exploit tensions associated with elections and crisis-related economic activities, thereby contributing to instability across parts of the country.
He added that local vigilante groups and community-based security structures also play important roles in intelligence gathering and supporting law enforcement agencies.
Using Borno State as an example, Bwala said paramilitary and vigilante organisations in the state have continued to assist security agencies with useful intelligence in the fight against criminal activities.