President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend themselves whenever their lives are under threat.
Bwala made the statement during an interview on Arise Television while reacting to the recent killings and abductions in parts of the country, especially the attacks in Esiele community in Oyo State where teachers and schoolchildren were kidnapped by armed men.
According to him, self-defence is already recognised under Nigerian law, especially in situations where someone is faced with deadly violence. He explained that citizens are not expected to fold their arms when criminals invade their homes or communities.
“The Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to defend themselves,” Bwala said. “If someone comes to my house to kill me, whatever lawful force I use to protect myself is covered by the Constitution.”
However, he clarified that this does not automatically mean citizens can carry any type of weapon they like, since firearm ownership in Nigeria is still controlled by law. He noted that communities can legally organise local security structures or vigilante groups if properly approved by government authorities.
Speaking further, Bwala admitted that insecurity remains a painful reality across the country, but insisted that the government is making efforts to tackle the situation. He described criminal activities as a global problem, saying no nation is completely free from violent attacks.
He also pointed out that insecurity often increases during election periods, claiming that some individuals benefit from what he called a “crisis economy.” According to him, this pattern has repeated itself around major election cycles since 2014.
Bwala added that community intelligence and cooperation with security agencies will play a major role in ending the violence. He referenced local vigilante systems and paramilitary support groups already operating in states like Borno as examples of how communities can help security agencies with useful information.
Despite public frustration over repeated attacks and kidnappings, the presidential aide said the government understands the anger and pain Nigerians feel whenever innocent lives are lost. He assured citizens that authorities remain committed to restoring safety across the country.