By Ikechukwu Ogara
Nigeria’s Security Chief, Adeola Ajayi, stirred controversy when he advised Nigerians to defend themselves against terrorists. He referenced successful community defenses in Bauchi State, where locals repelled Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for security forces. Long before this advice by the DSS Chief, Rtd General Theophilus Danjuma, had called on Nigerians to defend themselves since the government of Buhari could not defend them.
Apart from the head of DSS and Rtd General Danjuma, many other Nigerians have urged Nigerians to defend themselves against terrorists and criminals. The insistent calls for self-defence point to the growing concern over insecurity in Nigeria. They are in fact a reinstatement, or more to the point, a reminder of the necessity of self-defence which is enshrined in our constitution.
The reality is that Nigeria is grappling with unprecedented levels of insecurity, ranging from banditry and terrorism to kidnapping and armed robbery and the Nigerian government has failed to guarantee the safety of its citizens. The need for Self-defence is particularly pressing in Nigeria, where the government’s security apparatus is often overwhelmed, and response times are delayed. Besides, the government however equipped or powerful cannot man every area in the country. Self-defence is obviously needed to complement the efforts of the government.
It is also a matter of common knowledge that even though the need for Self-defence is in the constitution and even openly championed by some members of the government, there is no adequate backing or support for self-defence by the government. While these calls are a necessary response to the government’s apparent inability to provide adequate security, critics have questioned their practicality. How can unarmed citizens effectively defend themselves against heavily armed terrorists wielding sophisticated weapons? Is the government aware that this failure to empower the people for self-defence has created a power vacuum that has strengthened the arm of terrorists and criminals across the country?
In addition, the government seems to pamper some terrorists especially those of the northern extraction. These terrorists (the bandits, Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen) butcher people, rape women, destroy farms and whole communities and do other dare devil things with little or no punishment. The release of terrorist Fulani herdsmen without charges or punishment after arrest is often cited as a case in point.
To make matters worse, the government even punishes those who try to defend themselves as seen in the case of the northern man who killed Fulani herdsmen in self-defence. He was sentenced to death. Sentencing someone to death for defending their life is obviously a miscarriage of justice. This perceived bias has eroded trust in the government’s commitment to the provision of security and justice.
The question remains: will the government walk the talk and support community-led initiatives to combat insecurity, or will their words remain mere rhetoric? The lives and safety of Nigerians depend on more than just words; they require tangible action. The government should prioritize community-led security initiatives and support local self-defence groups. This would enable communities to take ownership of their security and work collaboratively with security agencies to address threats.
The fear in some quarters is that in the bid to defend themselves, citizens may take matters into their own hands which may exercebate the issues. This fear will be assuaged if the provision of firearms is accompanied by robust regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse. The government should establish clear guidelines and standards for firearms ownership and use, as well as provide training on their safe handling and storage.
In conclusion, self-defence is an urgent necessity in Nigeria’s current security landscape. As pointed out, this stems from the fact that the provision of security by government is limited and often delayed. The lack of access to firearms and other necessary resources, coupled with the government’s reluctance to address the problem of Fulani herdsmen renders this call a hollow slogan. To build a safer and secure Nigeria, the government must reassess their attitude to the issue of insecurity and reassure the people.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Nigeria in prayer during these most turbulent moments of our nation’s history. Awaken the citizens to the need for self-defence. Empower them with wisdom, courage, and resilience to protect themselves and their communities. Empower the people in power with the courage to take decisive action against the criminal elements and grant them success in their efforts to restore peace and security.
Reflection Questions:
- What is my understanding of self-defense, and how can I apply it in my daily life?
- In what ways can individuals and communities defend themselves against insecurity?
- How can citizens collaborate with security agencies to promote safety and security?
- How can the government better support self-defense initiatives?
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