Nigeria Police Reaffirms Ban on Firearms Licences Amid Rising Calls for Self-Defence

 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reiterated that the suspension of the issuance of firearms licences to civilians remains firmly in place, despite mounting pressure from Nigerians advocating for self-defence rights in the face of increasing insecurity across the country.

In an official statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF emphasized that the moratorium on civilian access to firearms, first instituted in 2021, has not been lifted. The clarification comes in response to widespread speculation and renewed public demand for the right to bear arms, particularly from communities severely affected by banditry, kidnapping, and rural violence.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state categorically that the ban on the issuance of firearms licences is still in effect,” the statement read. “No individual or group has been authorized to issue or carry firearms without explicit government approval.”

The Federal Government suspended the issuance of gun licences in 2021 as part of efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country. The move was seen as a response to growing concerns over armed violence and the unchecked flow of illegal weapons, which security experts have blamed for worsening insecurity.

However, the worsening state of security in parts of Nigeria—especially in the North-West and North-Central regions—has led to rising calls from civil society groups, local vigilantes, and traditional leaders for the government to reconsider its stance and allow responsible citizens to arm themselves in self-defence.

In recent months, several high-profile attacks have intensified public debate on the right to bear arms. Notably, in March 2025, over 50 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks by suspected bandits in parts of Zamfara and Benue States, prompting renewed outcry over the inadequacy of government protection.

Despite these calls, the police maintain that allowing widespread access to firearms would likely worsen the situation by increasing the risk of armed conflict and misuse of weapons by unauthorized individuals. The NPF urged citizens to rely on formal security agencies for protection, while assuring that efforts to enhance security operations are ongoing.

Security analysts remain divided on the issue. While some advocate for stricter gun control as a means of preventing crime, others argue that empowering citizens to defend themselves could serve as a deterrent against criminal attacks, especially in remote areas with limited law enforcement presence.

As the debate continues, the NPF reiterated its commitment to restoring order and protecting lives and property across the nation, while encouraging Nigerians to support lawful and collaborative security efforts.