Jigawa Governor Rejects Call for Self-Defense Amid Rising Insecurity
DUTSE, Nigeria — Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has strongly disagreed with former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma’s recent call for Nigerians to take up arms and defend themselves against escalating insecurity. Speaking on Monday, April 21, 2025, on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Namadi warned that endorsing self-defense by citizens risks plunging the country into anarchy.
“He (Danjuma) is a very senior security person and should be respected. But if he says that citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, I think you are causing anarchy,” Namadi said. “His words need to be analysed carefully.”
The governor emphasized that Nigeria has not reached a level where self-defense by ordinary citizens is necessary. Instead, he highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture at both federal and state levels.
Strategic Approach in Jigawa State
Governor Namadi cited Jigawa State’s experience in handling the long-standing farmer-herder conflicts as a model for peaceful conflict resolution. Upon assuming office, his administration implemented strategic planning, engaged security experts, and involved traditional rulers and community stakeholders in dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
“When we assumed office, we employed a lot of strategies and brought in experts. We also engaged traditional rulers and established standing committees to communicate with the people. Now, they understand that fighting or killing each other is not the solution,” he explained.
Namadi stressed that these efforts have helped reduce violence and foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Jigawa, and that encouraging self-defense would have worsened the crisis.
Support for State Police
While rejecting calls for self-defense, the governor expressed support for the establishment of state police as a viable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. He revealed that discussions on state policing are ongoing at the National Economic Council level, with many states showing interest.
“The idea of State Police is still very much alive. Many states have indicated interest. At the level of the National Economic Council, discussions are ongoing, and I believe it will eventually be implemented,” Namadi said.
Context of Danjuma’s Call
General Theophilus Danjuma, speaking at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on April 19, urged Nigerians, especially victims of banditry and terrorism in Benue and Plateau states, to defend themselves. He argued that reliance solely on government protection is no longer realistic given the spate of violence and killings.
“The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves,” Danjuma said. “We cannot continue to sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.”
Expert Opinion and Public Concerns
Security experts have also cautioned against calls for self-defense, warning that proliferation of arms among civilians could exacerbate violence and lead to lawlessness. Bulama Bukarti, a conflict expert, described self-defense as the “wrong call” that risks increasing armed confrontations and further destabilizing communities.
Meanwhile, the rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Benue states where over 150 people have been killed in recent weeks, has sparked protests and urgent calls for government intervention. Religious and community leaders have demanded increased security presence and effective strategies to restore peace.
Conclusion
Governor Namadi’s rejection of self-defense underscores the delicate balance between addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and preventing the descent into chaos. His administration’s focus on dialogue, community engagement, and institutional reforms offers a pathway that contrasts with calls for civilian arms proliferation.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, the debate over self-defense versus strengthened state security remains a critical issue for policymakers, security agencies, and citizens alike.
