Insecurity in Nigeria has clearly surpassed the capacity of many elected leaders to manage effectively. While some governors have resorted to appeasing bandits, Fulani militants, and terrorists in their states, others rely on legislation as a supposed solution, or have created vigilante groups to operate alongside the military, police, and other security agencies.

Recently, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State echoed the controversial call of retired Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for Nigerians to arm themselves, asserting that the military—whom he accused of collusion—cannot guarantee their protection.

During a visit to communities in Rijau Local Government Area, recently attacked by bandits, Governor Bago told residents to prepare to defend themselves, claiming the government lacks funds to pay ransom for abducted persons.

“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves because ransom will only turn kidnapping into a thriving business. I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom…the situation has reached a state of war that requires collective resistance,” he stated.

In contrast, Governor Shehu Sani of Kaduna State supports negotiations and settlements to save lives. But as Governor Bago observed, each ransom payment only buys temporary calm while emboldening criminals to recruit more gunmen and return stronger.

While the call for self-defense may sound appealing, it must be approached with caution. First, is such a directive not an abdication of a governor’s constitutional duty to protect citizens? Is it not an admission of failure by Niger State’s Chief Security Officer and the security agencies tasked with defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity? Where are the military, police, and other security forces?

Urging civilians to confront hardened, heavily armed bandits exposes them to extreme danger. The law does not permit ordinary Nigerians to possess the military-grade weapons needed to counter these threats.

We have long advocated for including citizens as part of a broader, coordinated security strategy to reclaim Nigeria from insecurity. We welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s plan to establish a 130,000-strong Armed Forest Guard (AFG) to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves, many of which have become strongholds for bandits and terrorists. However, since the plan was announced in May 2025, there has been no visible progress.

Civilians should never be turned into cannon fodder for terrorists. Effective security requires a strategic, government-led response—not a call for self-defense that risks more lives.