Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend themselves and their communities against insecurity within the provisions of the law.

Bwala stated this while speaking during an interview on ARISE News, noting that citizens could legally apply for firearm licences as permitted under Nigerian laws.

According to him, the Nigerian Constitution recognises the right to private defence, stressing that citizens are not helpless in the face of growing security challenges across the country.

“The Constitution grants every Nigerian citizen the right to private defence. You have the right to defend yourself,” he said.

He further explained that communities also have the collective right to organise themselves lawfully and seek government approval to possess arms permitted by law for security purposes.

“Nigerians also have a collective right to defend themselves as a vanguard in their communities by applying to the government for licences to bear arms permitted by law,” Bwala added.

The presidential aide, however, expressed regret over the prevailing insecurity in parts of the country, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to tackling the situation.

“The government regrets the situation,” he stated.

Bwala also said President Tinubu had continued to urge Nigerians to remain united, keep faith with the government, and cooperate with security agencies in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

“The president continues to enjoin Nigerians to have faith, partner together and put an end to this problem confronting us as a people,” he said.

He further linked recurring insecurity in the country to periods preceding major elections, arguing that political and economic interests often fuel tensions and violence.

“Every eve of election in Nigeria from 2014 to 2018, 2022 and 2026, you will see that crisis increase because of this idea of crisis economy,” Bwala said.

“But the will and spirit of the collective people is what will put an end to it,” he added.