Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has rejected calls for citizens to take up arms in self-defence, describing such actions as a recipe for anarchy.
Appearing on national television, Namadi responded to General Theophilus Danjuma’s remarks that Nigerians should defend themselves against banditry. “He is a very serious security person, but I think citizens being allowed to defend themselves will cause anarchy,” Namadi asserted.
The governor insisted that the federal government is intensifying efforts to address insecurity, and pointed to Jigawa’s approach of engaging traditional rulers and establishing committees to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Namadi further supported the creation of State Police as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, stating that many states are interested and discussions are ongoing.
General Danjuma, speaking in Taraba State, had argued that “relying on the government for protection is no longer realistic,” urging citizens to take action themselves.
