Self-Defense Ineffective Against National Insecurity, Methodist Prelate Tells Nigerians

The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, has cautioned citizens against resorting to armed self-defense as a solution to the ongoing security challenges facing the country, warning that such measures could lead to complete anarchy.

Speaking to journalists during an ecclesiastical visit, the cleric stressed that the duty of protecting lives and property remains the primary constitutional responsibility of the federal government and established security agencies.

Dr. Aba argued that if ordinary citizens begin taking up arms under the guise of personal protection, it could result in widespread lawlessness and an uncontrollable breakdown of public order.

"Resorting to self-defense is not the right approach to solving our security worries. It will only multiply the problems, create arms proliferation, and push the nation into chaos," the Prelate remarked.

He called on Nigerians to instead maintain their trust in the nation’s security forces while actively assisting them with timely intelligence and actionable information to help smoke out criminal networks from local communities.

The religious leader also implored the federal administration and the military high command to step up their current tactical operations, ensure adequate welfare for personnel on the frontlines, and deploy modern technology to effectively dismantle insurgent groups.

While acknowledging the deep anxieties and frustrations felt by many Nigerians due to persistent security threats, Dr. Aba urged religious bodies and institutional stakeholders to continuously pray for the nation's leadership and prioritize messages of peace, unity, and national integration.