Senator Ned Nwoko argues that allowing citizens to bear arms would deter criminal activity and contribute to addressing Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Weapons has firmly opposed a new bill that would permit Nigerians to carry arms for self-defence.
The proposal, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, aims to empower citizens to arm themselves against rising crime and insecurity.
Senator Nwoko argues that allowing citizens to bear arms would deter criminal activity and contribute to addressing Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation. However, Ben Akinlade, South-West Coordinator for the arms control centre, cautioned that legalising firearms for civilians could lead to an escalation in violence.
In an interview, Akinlade, a former director with the Department of State Services, stressed that arming citizens would likely exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges rather than resolve them. Drawing comparisons to the United States, he noted that even with controlled arms laws, America continues to grapple with high levels of gun violence, and he warned of similar potential consequences for Nigeria.
“Bearing of arms is not the solution to kidnapping or armed robbery; rather, it will make it worse. Nigeria is not ripe for arms-bearing,” Akinlade asserted. “You can imagine what is happening in America today with incidents of gun attacks on innocent people. What will happen in Nigeria if everybody is allowed to carry guns?”
He highlighted the efforts already undertaken by authorities in confiscating illegal arms, particularly in educational institutions, warning that legalising civilian gun ownership could reverse these gains. Akinlade also expressed concerns that such a law could lead to misuse, particularly in moments of anger or provocation.
“Criminal activities in Nigeria are on the increase, and allowing Nigerians to bear arms will only make it difficult for security agencies to fight crime,” he continued, cautioning that legalising arms could make confrontations, even in sensitive locations like the National Assembly, potentially volatile. “Nigeria is not ripe for such a law. Allowing Nigerians to bear arms will not prevent crime; it will cause more harm as people will misuse their arms at the slightest provocation.”
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