Nigerians have constitutional right to self-defence – Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication has said Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend themselves against attackers, especially in life-threatening situations.

Bwala stated this during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while reacting to recent killings and abductions in parts of the country, including attacks in Orire LGA.

According to him, the Nigerian constitution recognises the right of citizens to protect themselves from danger.

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

“When your right, my right, and that of my neighbour is put together, it becomes collective rights to defend ourselves and Nigerians have the right to defend themselves.”

He added that individuals are permitted to use reasonable force in situations involving threats to life.

“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 stated.

Bwala, however, clarified that the possession of firearms remains subject to Nigerian laws and regulations.

“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.

Speaking on the security situation across the country, Bwala said insecurity is a global challenge, noting that the government is intensifying efforts to tackle criminal activities through collaboration with citizens and security agencies.

“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.”

The presidential aide acknowledged growing public frustration over recurring attacks and killings, saying Nigerians have every reason to demand improved security.

“I know the Nigerian people will continue to complain. 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 the Nigerian people that are taken away by the evil element,” he said.

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

Bwala also linked the rise in insecurity to political activities ahead of elections, arguing that criminal elements often exploit periods leading to 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.”

He further highlighted the role of local vigilance groups and community intelligence gathering in combating insecurity, particularly in conflict-prone states such as Borno state.