ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend themselves against aggressors, even with lethal weapons, as the government works to end recurring killings across the country.
Speaking on Arise Television Wednesday, Bwala reacted to the recent attack in Esiele community, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen invaded a primary school, abducting teachers and pupils and killing two staff members. He described the violence as part of a wider crisis that often escalates around election seasons.
“Solution is what we all look to. Evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government,” Bwala said. “The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defense. 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 added that communities could collectively organize vigilante groups and paramilitary outfits, as seen in Borno State, to provide intelligence to law enforcement. While Nigerians are restricted from bearing certain arms without government approval, Bwala said groups can apply for permission to coordinate local defense efforts.
The remarks come amid growing frustration over insecurity in Nigeria, where attacks on schools, villages, and highways have become frequent. Since the 2014 Chibok abductions, schools have remained vulnerable despite government pledges to improve safety.
On social media, Nigerians expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed Bwala’s statement as an acknowledgment of citizens’ right to self-defense, while others criticized the government for failing to provide adequate security in the first place. Posts on X and Facebook reflected anger and grief, with parents demanding stronger protection for children.
Stakeholders also weighed in. Human rights groups warned that encouraging self-defense could escalate violence if not properly regulated. Education advocates urged the government to prioritize school safety as a national emergency. Lawmakers described the attacks as “an assault on Nigeria’s future,” calling for increased funding for rural security and intelligence gathering.
The presidency maintains that collective vigilance, community intelligence, and constitutional rights will help Nigerians resist aggressors while the government intensifies efforts to end the killings.
