The Loaded Debate

Nigeria, a nation grappling with violent crime and an insurgency in the northeast, finds itself at a crossroads. Calls for increased gun ownership among the populace have grown louder in recent years, challenging the country’s longstanding restrictive stance on firearms. Proponents of gun ownership argue that an armed citizenry would be better equipped to defend itself against criminals and insurgents. Opponents, however, fear a Wild West scenario, with increased gun proliferation leading to more violence and exacerbating the security crisis.

The current legal framework, the Firearms Act of 1959, strictly regulates gun ownership. Only those with a license, granted at the discretion of the President or Inspector-General of Police, can possess firearms. These rigorous measures haven’t prevented Nigeria from becoming the region’s biggest illicit firearms market. The country reportedly accounts for 70 per cent of the 500 million illegal weapons in circulation in West Africa. A 2020 report by SB Morgen estimates the number of small arms in the hands of civilians in Nigeria to be around 6, 145, 000. In 2019, President Buhari revoked all previously issued private gun licenses, further tightening control. This policy reflects the government’s belief that widespread gun ownership fuels criminal activity and ethnic violence, a concern with a historical basis. Recently, the Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, proposed a bill allowing Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence following the state of insecurity across the country. However, this proposition was met with mixed feelings.

Advocates for gun rights also point to the perceived ineffectiveness of the security forces in curbing violence.  They argue that law-abiding citizens deserve the means to protect themselves from kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks by terrorists.  In 2022, the governor of Zamfara State advised residents to obtain guns to defend themselves against terrorists. The rise of vigilante groups in some areas, a desperate response to a perceived lack of state protection, is often cited as evidence of the public’s desire for self-defence options. The former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Mike Ejiofor, argued that while there is a tendency for abuse in the event of gun legalisation, the reality remains that the government is defaulting on their fundamental duty to protect Nigerian lives and properties, as such, it is proper for Nigerians to defend themselves.

However, opponents of gun legalisation warn of unintended consequences. Nigeria already struggles with a high rate of violent crime, including banditry, insurgency, and inter-communal clashes, and easier access to firearms would worsen this violence. With existing conflicts and a porous border enabling weapons smuggling, more guns in circulation could empower criminals and lead to further bloodshed. Despite strict gun control laws, Nigeria has a thriving black market for firearms. Legalisation, without proper enforcement measures, could inadvertently create a larger legal market that fuels the black market by making guns easier to obtain and potentially increasing demand. This could further empower criminal networks.

Moreover, proponents of gun ownership sometimes argue that citizens with guns can deter crime and protect themselves. However, there’s no clear evidence that widespread gun ownership improves security.  Nigeria’s current security challenges are complex and require addressing underlying issues, not simply arming the population. The Nigerian police force is understaffed and faces significant challenges.  The force lacks the resources and capacity to enforce stricter gun control laws effectively, let alone manage a potentially larger legal gun market. This raises concerns about guns falling into the wrong hands. Increased gun ownership could lead to more accidental shootings, domestic violence incidents involving firearms, and suicides. This is a particular concern given Nigeria’s social context.

The international experience offers mixed lessons. The United States, with its high gun ownership rate, grapples with mass shootings and gun violence.  However, some countries with stricter gun control laws, such as Mexico and Brazil, also face significant gang violence.  The unique context of Nigeria, with its complex social and political landscape, makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions from external examples.

The debate around gun legalisation in Nigeria is not merely about self-defence; it is a reflection of a more profound crisis of trust in the government’s ability to provide security. Addressing this trust deficit is crucial.  Improving police effectiveness, tackling corruption within the security forces, and ensuring equal protection under the law are essential steps towards building public confidence.

The question of gun legalisation in Nigeria presents a complex dilemma. While the desire for self-defence is understandable, the potential for increased violence cannot be ignored. The path forward lies not just in a yes-or-no answer on gun control but in an approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity, restores public trust in state institutions, and explores alternative security measures alongside a measured conversation on responsible gun ownership if deemed necessary. Only through a nuanced and comprehensive strategy can Nigeria break free from the grip of violence.