Safeguarding Nigeria: A Comprehensive Approach to Civilian Gun Ownership -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The recent surge in violent incidents across Nigeria, exemplified by the Plateau State killings, Nasarawa kidnapping, Bwari and Niger State banditry, and the Nasarawa supermarket attack, has prompted a critical examination of overall security measures. These events underscore the urgent need for enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies and a reevaluation of existing security strategies. As citizens express growing unease, the debate over private gun ownership gains prominence, with advocates suggesting that bolstering self-defense capabilities could mitigate the impact of such attacks. The nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, emphasizing the delicate balance required between individual rights and collective security for lasting solutions to security challenges.

The counsel against citizens possessing guns for personal protection amid escalating security challenges seems imprudent, especially given the consistent shortcomings of security leaders in preventing planned violence and responding effectively to threats. Despite the crucial role of local intelligence in identifying threats, the inadequacies in coordination and timely responses by the police and other security entities persist as significant failures, amplifying citizens’ frustration and deepening concerns about personal safety.

Against this backdrop, allowing Nigerians to possess guns for their own protection and self-defense becomes a compelling proposition. The unfortunate incident in Nasarawa State, where armed gunmen attacked a supermarket, claiming the lives of four customers, raises pertinent questions about the role of private gun ownership in self-defense. This recent event underscores the need for private gun ownership, as it suggests that if store owners and individuals had the means to defend themselves with firearms, there could potentially be less damage and a greater likelihood of protecting lives and property in such perilous situations.

In a hypothetical scenario where store owners are armed, the speculation arises that they could have been better equipped to respond to attackers, potentially preventing further casualties or damage. This perspective aligns with the belief that an armed citizenry acts as a deterrent to criminals and provides a more immediate and effective response to security threats. Consequently, there is a growing sentiment that individuals and business owners should have the right to bear arms, enabling them to protect themselves and others in the face of such threats.

However, the recent declaration by Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja against civilian self-defense regarding gun ownership has introduced layers of complexity, triggering a nationwide introspection on the delicate balance between militaristic perspectives and civilian affairs. While citizens acknowledge the military’s role in external and internal security, it is emphasized that dictating whether citizens should own guns or not is beyond the military’s purview. This responsibility lies with the citizens, legislature, police, and other civilian entities.

In the realm of private gun ownership in Nigeria, interest groups and the National Assembly play pivotal roles in shaping regulations. These entities should actively participate in discussions, contributing insights to the formulation and amendment of laws governing civilian gun ownership. The emphasis is on a democratic and consultative process led by civilian authorities, involving the government, police, mental health agencies, and legislative bodies. The primary goal is to establish comprehensive and responsible regulations, taking into account factors like age restrictions, mental health assessments, secure storage mandates, firearm education, and continuous monitoring to adapt to emerging challenges.

In formulating regulations for private gun ownership in Nigeria, it is essential for the legislature to recommend specific firearm types suitable for personal and home defense. This includes shotguns for stopping power, handguns for maneuverability, and rifles for specific scenarios. These recommendations should be integral to a comprehensive strategy developed through democratic and consultative processes involving civilian authorities, interest groups, and legislative bodies.

The primary objective is to establish clear guidelines on the types of guns deemed suitable for responsible ownership, thereby enhancing personal security in homes and private spaces. Within the context of private gun ownership in Nigeria, proposed stricter regulations encompass crucial elements such as background checks, waiting periods, mandatory training, and limitations on firearm types. The active participation of interest groups and the National Assembly is instrumental in shaping these regulations, fostering discussions on the formulation and amendment of laws governing civilian gun ownership.

The democratic and consultative process, spearheaded by civilian authorities and involving the government, police, mental health agencies, and legislative bodies, seeks to establish comprehensive and responsible regulations. These regulations take into account various factors, including age restrictions, mental health assessments, secure storage mandates, firearm education, and continuous monitoring for effective adjustments to emerging challenges.

In establishing these regulations, the legislature should consider recommending specific firearm types suitable for personal and home defense, including shotguns for stopping power, handguns for maneuverability, and rifles for specific scenarios. These recommendations form part of a holistic strategy developed through democratic and consultative processes engaging civilian authorities, interest groups, and legislative bodies. The ultimate goal is to provide transparent guidelines on the types of guns deemed appropriate for responsible ownership, contributing to enhanced personal security in homes and private spaces. The role of police and mental health agencies becomes crucial in screening potential gun owners, incorporating psychological assessments, age considerations, and other relevant rules.

As Nigeria contemplates the prospect of private gun ownership, there’s a collective determination to avoid replicating the situation in countries like the United States, where widespread access to firearms has contributed to extensive violence. The goal is to prevent the proliferation of guns, ensuring a strict approach with severe penalties for illegal possession.

Emphasis is placed on restricting public access to certain types of firearms. The proposed regulations aim to curb misuse and reduce the risk of violence, learning from the challenges faced by more permissive models, such as that in the United States.

The implementation of these regulations requires meticulous consideration of legal frameworks, robust enforcement mechanisms, and extensive public awareness campaigns. Mental health considerations are integral, with the objective of preventing individuals with mental health issues from owning firearms. To reinforce responsible gun ownership, the proposal suggests stringent punishments for misuse, acting as both a deterrent and a recognition of the psychological impact of irresponsible firearm use on society.

In the ever-evolving social landscape of Nigeria, where the population surpasses 200 million, the persistent issues of personal protection demand thoughtful consideration. The commitment to addressing these concerns reflects the dedication of a maturing democracy to foster a secure and orderly society. As the nation navigates these uncharted territories, the emphasis must be on doing it right – incorporating legislative rules, improved law enforcement guidelines, and police enforcement, while respecting individual rights and preventing the emergence of an undercurrent of illegal self-armed individuals.

As Nigeria navigates the intricate terrain of nuanced domestic issues, particularly in the realm of private gun ownership, a collective determination emerges to sidestep the challenges observed in other nations. The cautious approach seeks to avert the pitfalls associated with unrestricted firearm access, as witnessed in countries like the United States.

The primary goal is to prevent the unchecked proliferation of guns, advocating for a stringent regulatory framework with severe penalties for illegal possession and a targeted restriction on specific firearm types. These proposed regulations are meticulously crafted to not only combat misuse but also to mitigate the risk of violence, drawing essential lessons from the complexities inherent in more permissive models.

The successful implementation of these regulations necessitates a nuanced examination of legal frameworks, the establishment of robust enforcement mechanisms, and the initiation of extensive public awareness campaigns. Integral to these considerations are mental health assessments, designed to prevent individuals with mental health issues from owning firearms. To fortify responsible gun ownership, the proposal recommends imposing stringent punishments for misuse, serving as both a deterrent and an acknowledgment of the profound psychological impact of irresponsible firearm use on society.

In the ever-evolving social landscape of Nigeria, where the population surpasses 200 million, the persistent concerns related to personal protection demand nuanced deliberation. The commitment to address these intricate challenges underscores the maturation of democracy, striving to foster a secure and orderly society. As the nation grapples with these nuanced domestic issues, the emphasis lies on adopting a balanced approach — a harmonious blend of legislative rules, enhanced law enforcement guidelines, and police enforcement — all while safeguarding individual rights. It is a call to prevent the emergence of an undercurrent of illegal self-armed individuals, and a gentle reminder to the military to stay in their lane, allowing the civil government to adeptly handle these nuanced domestic issues.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. joshodi@nova.edu