Insecurity: Sokoto Community Demands Right to Bear Arms for Self‑Defence
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

Amid escalating attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits, residents of various communities in Kebbe Local Government Area, Sokoto State, are demanding that the Federal Government legalize the bearing of arms for self‑defence.

Citizens say the failure of security agencies to adequately protect them has left them vulnerable, and many believe that being able to legally arm themselves is their only remaining means of survival.

A similar situation recently unfolded in Shagari Local Government Area, where youths threatened to take up arms following repeated attacks and kidnappings. The youths lamented the government’s neglect and argued that self‑defence had become a last‑resort option. [1]

Some state officials and security figures have entertained the conversation. For instance, the Director‑General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has endorsed allowing “some level of armament” in communities to act as first responders against insecurity. [2] However, others warn that giving civilians weapons may escalate violence and undermine rule of law.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Government has cautioned against unilateral disarmament or armed deployments by individuals or groups, emphasizing that security is constitutionally under state and federal jurisdictions. The state has also warned that self‑help measures without oversight risk breeding chaos. [4]

As the debate intensifies, communities in Sokoto’s border areas continue to live in fear, demanding urgent action to restore safety and preserve their right to life.
Citations:

The Journal Nigeria: thejournalnigeria.com/sokoto-slams-self-help-security-moves-warns-politicians-against-illegal-deployments/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

The Eagle Online: theeagleonline.com.ng/insecurity-sokoto-youths-threaten-to-take-up-arms-in-self-defense-allege-govt-neglect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

PM News Nigeria: pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/13/lets-allow-communities-to-bear-arms-for-self-defense-dss-boss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Sun: thesun.ng/giving-communities-arms-for-self-defence-wont-solve-security-problem-gen-ishola-williams/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Amid escalating attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits, residents of various communities in Kebbe Local Government Area, Sokoto State, are demanding that the Federal Government legalize the bearing of arms for self‑defence.

Citizens say the failure of security agencies to adequately protect them has left them vulnerable, and many believe that being able to legally arm themselves is their only remaining means of survival.

A similar situation recently unfolded in Shagari Local Government Area, where youths threatened to take up arms following repeated attacks and kidnappings. The youths lamented the government’s neglect and argued that self‑defence had become a last‑resort option. [1]

Some state officials and security figures have entertained the conversation. For instance, the Director‑General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has endorsed allowing “some level of armament” in communities to act as first responders against insecurity. [2] However, others warn that giving civilians weapons may escalate violence and undermine rule of law.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Government has cautioned against unilateral disarmament or armed deployments by individuals or groups, emphasizing that security is constitutionally under state and federal jurisdictions. The state has also warned that self‑help measures without oversight risk breeding chaos. [4]

As the debate intensifies, communities in Sokoto’s border areas continue to live in fear, demanding urgent action to restore safety and preserve their right to life.
Citations:

1. The Eagle Online: theeagleonline.com.ng/insecurity-sokoto-youths-threaten-to-take-up-arms-in-self-defense-allege-govt-neglect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. PM News Nigeria: pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/13/lets-allow-communities-to-bear-arms-for-self-defense-dss-boss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Sun: thesun.ng/giving-communities-arms-for-self-defence-wont-solve-security-problem-gen-ishola-williams/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. The Journal Nigeria: thejournalnigeria.com/sokoto-slams-self-help-security-moves-warns-politicians-against-illegal-deployments/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author