You Have the Right to Defend Yourself, Bwala Tells Nigerians

By Enitan Abdultawab

Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, affirmed that Nigerians are constitutionally entitled to defend themselves against attackers, including in situations involving lethal threats. He also said the government is working to reduce insecurity nationwide.

Bwala made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, responding to recent violent incidents such as the killings in Esiele community, Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State, and the abduction of teachers and pupils at LA Primary School.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to self‑defence.

“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 are combined, it becomes a collective right to defend ourselves, and Nigerians have the right to defend themselves,” he added.

“If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the Constitution,” Bwala continued.

He cautioned that while the Constitution permits self‑defence, possession of firearms remains regulated by law. “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 explained.

Addressing the government’s stance on insecurity, Bwala said criminality is a global challenge but believes collective action can help tackle it.

“The 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 the collective participation of the people through collective intelligence, we will be able to put an end to it.”

On public frustration over recurring attacks, Bwala noted that citizens will continue to express their concerns. “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. We will put an end to this as a people,” he said.

Bwala also linked rising insecurity to election cycles and societal pressures. “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. 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 said.

He highlighted the role of local vigilance groups and security collaboration. “As a people, we have vigilantes, and in Borno State, we have paramilitary organisations that provide intelligence to law enforcement,” Bwala said.

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