The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has urged the government to consider licensing firearms for citizens if it cannot guarantee safety.
He made the remark during a televised interview, arguing that the government’s inability to guarantee security has left citizens exposed, saying the situation now raises questions about alternatives available to Nigerians.
Rhodes-Vivour further charged the government to invest heavily in the military, hold failed officials accountable and snuff out terrorist financiers.
The rising insecurity has prompted debates on self-protection in communities, especially where security agencies are overwhelmed.
In April, retired General T.Y. Danjuma urged citizens to defend themselves if the state cannot guarantee safety.
The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has supported a regulated approach, suggesting licensed vigilantes with controlled access to weapons.
The 1959 Firearms Act allows licences only for certain non-assault firearms, such as pump-action rifles, under strict regulation.
