The suggesting, last week, that perhaps, it is time legislation to liberalise gun ownership in Nigeria elicited several reactions. I decided to share this with you. Perhaps, it will help further the discourse on the need to legislate on gun ownership by Nigerians, or otherwise. But, let us read this contribution titled ‘Review of Arguments for Liberalizing Gun Ownership in Nigeria’ and sent by Dr Ibrahim Bello Dauda ([email protected]). It reads:
“The proposition to liberalize gun ownership in Nigeria raises serious concerns about the potential consequences for an already precarious security landscape. The assertion that such a policy would worsen existing problems is compelling and deserves thorough examination.
“Firstly, the idea that liberalizing gun ownership will lead to increased communal and ethnic clashes is particularly troubling. Nigeria’s complex social fabric, characterized by diverse ethnic and religious groups, is already strained. Introducing more firearms into this mix could ignite conflicts, as individuals might resort to violence in moments of fear or tension. The potential for impulsive actions taken in the name of self-defence could further destabilize communities, creating a cycle of retribution and hostility.
“Moreover, the risk of criminal elements exploiting more accessible firearms cannot be overlooked. In a context where law enforcement struggles to maintain order, the proliferation of guns could empower criminal organizations, exacerbating insecurity rather than providing protection. This concern is accentuated by the possibility of increased arms trafficking, as illicit networks could take advantage of relaxed regulations to stockpile weapons, putting additional pressure on an already fragile system.
“The write-up rightly points out that the root of Nigeria’s security issues lies in systemic failures rather than merely gun control. The call for political leaders to act without bias is crucial; too often, known criminals evade justice due to political, tribal, or religious affiliations. This reality erodes public trust and engenders a sense of helplessness. The phrase “justice in Nigeria is for the rich and powerful” poignantly captures the prevailing sentiment of inequity, suggesting that liberalizing gun ownership may merely be a misguided attempt to empower a population that feels abandoned by its government.
“The comparison to El Salvador serves as a powerful reminder of how decisive leadership can transform a nation. While Nayib Bukele’s approach has garnered attention for its effectiveness, it is essential to recognize that such strategies are context-dependent and may not be directly applicable to Nigeria’s unique challenges. The path to stability in Nigeria lies not in arming citizens, but in addressing the systemic issues that allow crime to flourish.
“Additionally, the metaphor of Lady Justice not being blind highlights a critical flaw in the Nigerian justice system, where ethnicity and religion can unfairly influence outcomes. This bias further complicates the argument for liberalizing gun ownership, as it suggests that an armed populace may not necessarily lead to justice or protection, but rather to further division and violence.
“In summary, while the call for liberalizing gun ownership in Nigeria stems from a desire for self-defence amidst perceived government inaction, the broader implications of such a policy are fraught with danger. Rather than empowering citizens, it risks escalating violence, fostering criminal activity, and deepening societal divides. The focus should instead be on reforming the justice system and holding accountable those who enable crime, ensuring that true security and justice can be achieved without resorting to firearms.”
Dr. Dauda’s argument is quite interesting to the extent that it is laced with fear. As it is said, wild flowers grow the way the like. An untamed flower becomes a bush. To this extent, until an idea is tried out or experimented, it cannot be rightly dismissed for the fear that it may be abused. The fear that liberalising gun ownership would “risk escalating violence,” is in itself, admission that either the laws of the federation are ineffective in checking excesses, or, that Nigeria’s law enforcement apparatus is ridiculously incapable of enforcing the law as it is. That argument also lays credence to the initial argument that the lady of justice, as far as Nigeria is concerned, is not blind and administers justice with serious consideration for ethnic and religious leanings.
Look at it this way! The Director General of the Department of State Security, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, had, at a public for a, related what has now become the Azare Model and the Tafawa Balewa Model in security management. In fact, he quoted the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida as saying: “If we want to stop or curb this terrorism, we should emulate the Azare example.” The examples set by the Azares and the people of Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state, should now become a model in tackling insecurity. The Azares and the Tafawa Balewa people were successful against the invading terrorist gang because they were armed. It is not known to the Nigerian public that the Azares and the Tafawa Balewa people were prosecuted, or, disarmed.
Like Ajayi said at the event “you do not expect the Nigerian Army, the Police, and DSS to protect every Nigerian. It is not going to work.” If it is not possible for the Army, Police and DSS to protect every Nigerian, or deploy to every community in Nigeria, I will like to know what would work in the face of gun-bearing marauders who spare no thought when pulling the triggers of their guns -employ the Azare and Tafawa Balewa model with bare hands?
I agree that there is need for control and I guess that is why the DSS boss also recommended community action leading to recruitment and training in liaison with the service. That should be the least expectation from Nigerians because existential realities have shown that gunmen are usually very cautious when approaching equally armed persons, official and unofficial. The audacity of the gunman, and criminal gangs including kidnappers and terrorists in Nigeria, is their understanding that their prospective victims are always unarmed. So, the fear that liberalising gun ownership will lead to increase in violence is unfounded and untested and as such cannot be relied upon as a conclusion from an empirical analysis, to design a progressive policy that may stem the rage of the gunman in Nigeria.