Nigerians Have Constitutional Right to Self-Defence — Bwala

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, says Nigerians are constitutionally empowered to defend themselves against attackers, including in life-threatening situations, while the government continues efforts to address insecurity across the country.

Bwala made the statement during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he responded to recent violent incidents, including killings in Esiele community in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the abduction of teachers and pupils of LA Primary School.

According to him, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to self-defence in the face of imminent danger.

“The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence; you have the right to defend yourself,” he 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 in situations where an individual is attacked in their home, the use of necessary force to repel such threats is constitutionally protected.

“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 stated.

However, he clarified that the right to self-defence does not equate to unrestricted access to firearms, noting that gun ownership and possession remain regulated under Nigerian law.

“Nigerians don’t have the right to bear certain arms unless those arms are permitted,” he said, adding that communities may still seek legal approval to organise collective security arrangements under government regulation.

Bwala’s comments come amid renewed public concern over insecurity in several parts of the country, with calls for stronger protection of lives and property as well as improved security response from authorities.