Self-defence is your constitutional right, Bwala tells Nigerians amid rising insecurity

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that Nigerians are constitutionally empowered to defend themselves against attackers, including the use of lethal force when facing life-threatening danger.

Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, Bwala emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to self-defence, both individually and collectively.

“The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence; you have the right to defend yourself,” he said. “When your right, my right, and that of my neighbour is put together, it becomes collective rights to defend ourselves.”

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

However, Bwala clarified that firearm possession remains strictly regulated by law. He noted that while citizens cannot bear certain arms without permission, communities can collectively apply to the government for authorisation to coordinate their own security efforts.

The presidential aide made the remarks while reacting to recent violent incidents across the country, including killings in Oyo State and the abduction of schoolchildren.

Bwala acknowledged that criminality is a global challenge and that frustration among citizens over recurring attacks is understandable. He expressed confidence that with collective intelligence and the cooperation of the people, insecurity can be brought to an end.

He also linked rising insecurity to election cycles, observing that crisis tends to increase before elections due to what he described as a “crisis economy” from which some people profit. He cited the role of local vigilantes and paramilitary organisations, particularly in Borno State, in providing intelligence to law enforcement agencies.