Amid growing insecurity concerns, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uche Nwosu, has advised the Federal Government to resist the push for citizens to obtain firearms licences, warning that such a move could escalate violence across the country.
Nwosu, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, voiced his concerns during a virtual media briefing on Saturday. His remarks were in response to calls by former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, rights activist Omoyele Sowore, and others under the Coalition of Nigerian Patriots, advocating for Nigerians to be armed in self-defense.
Dismissing the proposal as dangerous, Nwosu argued that encouraging widespread civilian armament would only deepen lawlessness. “Allowing individuals to carry arms can turn the country into a war zone,” he said. “The solution lies in deploying more security personnel to vulnerable areas, not in arming civilians.”
He further warned that the emotional volatility of individuals could lead to tragic outcomes if firearms become easily accessible. Nwosu noted that many of the armed groups wreaking havoc originate from outside local communities, often crossing borders to launch attacks before retreating. As a more sustainable strategy, he called for the strengthening of community policing initiatives, particularly in rural regions, which he described as some of the most challenging terrains for government intervention.
Highlighting the current security efforts, Nwosu praised President Bola Tinubu for directing the nation’s security chiefs to curb the violence and restore order. He described the President’s action as a demonstration of leadership committed to safeguarding lives and property. “President Tinubu has shown determination. His directive to security agencies to halt the killings is commendable, and they are making efforts to act on it,” he noted.
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However, the intensifying debate over arming civilians comes against a backdrop of widespread violence, largely attributed to the unchecked activities of herdsmen across several states. In the past month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have been killed in attacks predominantly in Benue and Plateau states, with other incidents reported in Oyo, Enugu, and several unreported areas. Many critics argue that the Federal Government’s failure to decisively address the herders’ crisis has fueled the current climate of fear and desperation.
As discussions continue, many stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize strengthening existing security structures over introducing measures that could inadvertently worsen the fragile security situation.
