Review Firearm Laws, Senate Urges Federal Government Amid Nationwide Rising Insecurity
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to review the country’s firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own guns, citing escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
The motion, raised during plenary on Tuesday, highlighted a surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and community raids that have left residents vulnerable across these states.
Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), who sponsored the motion, emphasized that the existing security framework has been unable to adequately protect citizens in remote and rural areas.
According to lawmakers, permitting responsible citizens to legally acquire firearms would provide communities with the means to defend lives and property while complementing efforts by security agencies.
Under Nigeria’s current Firearms Act, citizens can only possess firearms through a licence issued by the President or the Inspector-General of Police, and licence approvals are typically restricted to select firearm types.
The Senate’s proposed review seeks to broaden access to firearms for vetted, law-abiding individuals, aiming to enhance self-defense capabilities in areas most affected by insecurity.
Supporters argue that legal gun ownership by responsible citizens could act as a deterrent against criminal gangs and kidnappers, drawing comparisons with countries where civilian firearm possession is permitted under strict regulations.
However, critics caution that relaxing firearm laws could escalate violence, lead to the misuse of guns, and make weapons more accessible to criminals, particularly in regions with weak regulatory oversight or ongoing conflicts.
The Senate’s call underscores the urgency lawmakers attach to addressing rising insecurity and reflects growing frustration with the limitations of existing policing and security measures. Should the Federal Government act on the recommendation, the nation would see a significant shift in firearm regulations, with potential impacts on both public safety and community security practices.
Legislators, however, stress that any changes must be accompanied by strict vetting, regulation, and monitoring to prevent misuse and ensure that only responsible citizens gain access to firearms.
The proposal is now expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before any amendments to existing laws are enacted.
