Senator Ned Nwoko has introduced a groundbreaking bill aimed at granting Nigerian civilians the legal right to bear firearms for self-defense. Highlighting the urgent need for citizens to protect themselves against rising attacks by bandits and terrorists, Nwoko pointed to recent tragedies—such as the Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State, where over 100 people were killed—as evidence of the current security forces’ inability to adequately safeguard lives and property. The senator argues that allowing law-abiding citizens to carry arms could serve as a necessary measure to help Nigerians feel safer amid ongoing threats.
The proposed bill, awaiting its first reading in the Senate, sets forth rigorous conditions that applicants must meet. Individuals seeking to own firearms would need references from multiple medical professionals attesting to their mental fitness, local government endorsement, approval from traditional community leaders, and a police clearance confirming a clean criminal record. This multi-layered vetting process, according to Nwoko, is intended to ensure that only responsible, capable individuals can obtain a firearm license, mitigating risks of misuse while prioritizing public safety.
Nwoko further emphasized that his proposal includes a regulated training component to be facilitated by military veterans in local government areas, providing civilians with essential skills to handle firearms responsibly. The lawmaker suggested that legalized firearm ownership, coupled with licensed dealers, could also counter illegal arms trafficking, a growing concern as smuggled firearms continue to flood Nigerian communities. The revenue from licensing fees, he proposed, could be
allocated to strengthen the security sector, providing much-needed resources for police and security agencies.
