Facing mounting pressure from escalating insecurity, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to review the nation’s firearms laws, with the aim of allowing “responsible citizens” to legally own guns citing deteriorating security, frequent bandit attacks, school kidnappings, and violent crimes across states including Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger.
The call derives from a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), who in debate highlighted recent attacks, including a church attack in Eruku, Kwara, and multiple mass school abductions.
Supporters of the resolution argue that allowing lawful gun ownership under strict regulation could help communities defend themselves against heavily armed criminals, especially in remote or under-policed areas. They cite examples from over 175 countries where gun ownership by private citizens is permitted under regulation.
But the proposal has ignited debate. Critics including top police leadership — warn that widespread gun ownership could worsen violence rather than curb it. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector-General of Police have repeatedly argued that arming civilians is not a solution, suggesting that it could escalate lawlessness, complicate law enforcement, and result in misuse or unintended casualties.
Under current law, citizens must obtain a licence — issued only by the President or the IGP — to own firearms, and even then only certain types are permitted. The proposed review would involve amendments to the law to broaden access, presumably with stricter vetting, background checks, and regulatory oversight.
The Senate resolution additionally calls for other measures: expansion of support for local vigilante or community-based security groups; more robust border and forest-corridor surveillance; and a broader restructuring of security architecture to tackle root causes of banditry and kidnappings.
The debate is likely to intensify as Nigerians weigh security desperation against the dangers of proliferating small arms. What remains clear: the scale of insecurity has pushed even lawmakers to consider radical changes to longstanding security and firearms policies.
