By Chinedum Treasure
A civil society organisation, Save A Soul Ultimate Humanitarian Foundation has launched a national campaign calling for the legalisation of firearm possession by responsible Nigerians for self-defence.
The group cited the alarming rise in insecurity, kidnappings and violent attacks across the country.
The campaign, led by prominent rights advocates and members of the organisation, is urging the National Assembly to repeal the Firearms (Control) Act No. 32 of 1959 (Cap. F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), a law enacted during the colonial era and replace it with a new, constitutionally aligned framework that empowers law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their property.
According to the organisation, the law in its current form is not only outdated but also inconsistent with modern security realities.
They argued that the colonial regulation was primarily designed to suppress resistance from Nigerians during the pre-independence era and no longer serves the needs of a nation grappling with terrorism, banditry and widespread violent crime.
Citing Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which allows the use of reasonable force for self-defence, the advocates said it is time to give meaning to the constitutional right to life by legally empowering citizens to protect themselves against unlawful violence.
Addressing journalists on the vision of the group, Comrade Anthony Ojemba Chigbo, one of the movement’s leaders, said insecurity had reached a dangerous level where citizens could no longer rely solely on state protection.
“Security of life and property has become a national tragedy. Our people are kidnapped, robbed, and killed every day. The police and other security agencies are overstretched.
“It’s time to consider responsible gun ownership as part of community-based security reform,” Chigbo stated.
He said the campaign was not aimed at promoting anarchy or vigilante violence but at ensuring Nigerians have the right and the means to defend themselves responsibly within the bounds of the law.
Backing his call, another co-founder, Alhaji Garba of the organisation, said that the government must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps to secure citizens, adding that the campaign also plans to register at least 30 million Nigerians across the country as advocates for the reform.
“The only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” Yakubu said. “Criminals are heavily armed, while innocent citizens remain defenceless. The state must not continue to monopolise the tools of protection when it cannot guarantee safety for all.”
The group referenced a recent SBM Intelligence report, which revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, no fewer than 4,722 Nigerians were abducted across 997 kidnapping incidents, with ₦2.57 billion paid as ransom and over 760 people killed.
“They said the figures exclude unreported cases and highlight the failure of the current security structure.
According to the group, the new law they propose would introduce strict regulatory mechanisms including psychological evaluation, detailed background checks, training, and mandatory registration for anyone seeking to possess firearms legally.
They added that the campaign is designed not only to promote individual protection but also to encourage responsible community security systems that complement government efforts.
The group further noted that the advocacy aligns with global human rights standards, referencing countries such as the United States, Turkey and Switzerland, where firearm ownership is permitted under regulations, contributing to both deterrence and lawful protection.
“We are not saying everyone should carry a weapon,” Chigbo clarified. “We are saying the law should recognise the right of responsible, vetted citizens to bear arms. This will serve as deterrence to criminals who currently act with impunity.”
The campaign also seeks to engage policymakers, lawyers, and security experts in a series of town hall meetings, media campaigns, and legislative advocacy efforts across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Its goal is to build consensus on a framework that balances citizen empowerment with national security oversight.
