By John Dike, Osogbo
The Presidency has said Nigerians possess the constitutional right to defend themselves against attackers, even as the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to tackling insecurity and ending violent killings across the country.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated this while reacting to the recent attacks on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Bwala spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday amid growing public outrage over rising insecurity and the abduction of teachers and pupils from LA Primary School in the area.
According to him, while government continues to strengthen security operations nationwide, citizens also have legitimate rights under the constitution to protect themselves when under direct threat.
He maintained that insecurity remains a major concern to the administration, stressing that the Federal Government is determined to confront criminal elements responsible for attacks, killings, kidnappings, and violence across the country.
“Solution is what we all look to. Evil men operate anywhere in the world no matter how tight you are as a government,” Bwala said.
“You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence, we will be able to put an end to it.”
The presidential aide acknowledged the pains and frustrations of Nigerians over repeated security breaches and attacks on innocent citizens, noting that public anger and grief were understandable whenever such incidents occur.
“I know the Nigerian people will continue to complain because if, for example, no matter how we say that we are sorry and the incident happened again, people will complain, cry and mourn because it’s the lives of Nigerians that are taken away by evil elements,”.
“We will put an end to this as a people.”
Bwala also alleged that insecurity often increases around election periods, claiming that some individuals exploit instability for political and economic interests.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
Speaking on self-defence, the presidential spokesman said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to defend themselves when attacked, especially in life-threatening situations.
“The constitution has guaranteed 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 are put together, it becomes a collective right to defend ourselves and Nigerians have the right to defend themselves.”
Bwala explained that individuals confronted by attackers in their homes have the right to use reasonable force to protect themselves and their families.
“If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the constitution,” he declared.
He further highlighted the importance of community vigilance and local intelligence gathering in supporting conventional security agencies.
According to him, vigilante groups and community-based security structures have played critical roles in assisting law enforcement agencies in several parts of the country, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and banditry.
“Number two, as a people, we have vigilantes and in Borno State we have paramilitary organisations that provide intelligence to law enforcement,” he stated.
The presidential aide, however, clarified that Nigerians do not possess unrestricted rights to carry prohibited firearms except those approved under the 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 added.
Bwala’s comments come amid heightened tension following reports of the attack on the Oyo school community, where gunmen allegedly invaded the school premises and abducted teachers and pupils.
The incident has triggered renewed debates over insecurity, community policing, self-defence, and the need for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies in combating violent crimes across Nigeria.
