Lawmakers Push for Stricter but Accessible Firearms Licensing for Responsible Citizens
In a decisive move aimed at strengthening community protection amid rising insecurity, the Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the nation’s existing firearms law. The call, made during plenary on Wednesday, seeks to create a regulated pathway for responsible citizens to legally acquire and use firearms for self-defence.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), who lamented the worsening spate of kidnappings, attacks on worship centres, and violent raids in Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi States. According to him, communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable, and current security responses are not sufficient to protect citizens.
Senators unanimously supported the call, noting that Nigeria’s Firearms Act—introduced decades ago—no longer reflects the security realities confronting rural and urban communities. They argued that the law’s rigid structure prevents law-abiding citizens from defending themselves in emergency situations, especially in remote areas where security presence is limited.
The chamber agreed that a controlled system—anchored on background checks, mental evaluation, licensing, and mandatory training—could allow vetted Nigerians access to firearms strictly for personal and community defence. Several senators pointed out that more than 170 countries already operate regulated civilian gun-ownership frameworks, and Nigeria should not be an exception given the current threats.
While emphasising that any new framework must not encourage indiscriminate arming of the public, the lawmakers insisted that a more flexible and modern firearms policy could help reduce the success rate of bandits, kidnappers, and terror groups who currently outgun many rural communities.
The Senate also called on security agencies to intensify operations across high-risk corridors and to collaborate more closely with community volunteers, hunters, and local vigilante groups who currently operate with limited equipment.
If adopted by the Federal Government, the review could lead to Nigeria’s most significant overhaul of firearms regulations in decades, potentially reshaping how citizens participate in their own security.
Abuja Affairs Blog will continue to track the discussions as the debate on firearms regulation gains national attention.
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