Ned Nwoko Renews Push for Self-Defence Bill, Seeks Licensed Firearm Ownership for Responsible Nigerians

Ned Nwoko has renewed his call for the passage of his self-defence bill, insisting that responsible and law-abiding Nigerians should be allowed to own firearms under a strict licensing regime to help tackle the country's growing security challenges.

Speaking on the nation's security situation, the senator described the current level of insecurity as "very sad," arguing that qualified citizens should have the legal right to protect themselves and their families after meeting stringent licensing requirements.

According to him, the proposed legislation is not intended to arm every Nigerian but to establish a carefully regulated framework for firearm ownership. He explained that prospective applicants would be required to undergo certified weapons training, obtain medical certification confirming they are mentally fit, and secure recommendations from their local government chairman or traditional ruler.

In addition, applicants would need security clearance from the state Director of the Department of State Services and the state Commissioner of Police before a firearm licence could be issued.

Nwoko argued that while criminals continue to acquire illegal weapons with ease, law-abiding citizens remain defenceless because they lack legal access to firearms. He cited attacks on schools and communities as instances where properly trained and licensed civilians could have helped reduce casualties or repel attackers.

The senator also renewed support for his separate bill seeking the establishment of licensed military contractors in Nigeria. He said the proposal is designed to harness the expertise of retired military personnel, former security operatives and other trained professionals by organising them into regulated private security outfits.

Drawing comparisons with countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Iraq, he noted that private military contractors are widely used to complement national security efforts.

According to him, the initiative would not only strengthen security but also create employment opportunities for retired security personnel, reducing the risk of their expertise being exploited by criminal networks or illegal arms traffickers.

Nwoko maintained that Nigeria invests substantial resources in training military personnel and should continue to benefit from their skills after retirement through a properly regulated framework.

He called on Nigerians to support both legislative proposals, stressing that empowering responsible citizens to protect themselves would complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.