Following the increase in the activities of terrorists in various parts of Zamfara State in Nigeria’s troubled Northwest region, the state government has directed individuals to obtain guns to defend themselves against ramapaging terrorists.

In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the government directed the state commissioner of police to issue licenses to all those who qualify and wish to obtain such guns to defend themselves.

“…to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry in the state, particularly during this rainy season, government has resolved to take further measures to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities,” the statement said in part.

The governrment’s statement said the act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state, and in order to deal decisively with the situation, there was no option than to take measures including, facilitating people, especially farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves.

“Government has already concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves,” the statement said.

“People must apply from the Commissioner of Police, license to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves.”

Also, in view of the deteriorating security situation in Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore Districts of Gusau local government, as well as Yansoto emirate in Tsafe local government, state Governor Mohammed Matawalle, has approved the immediate closure of all markets in these districts and Yandoto emirate indefinitely.

In addition, the government has banned riding of motorbikes and selling of petroleum products in Mada, Wonaka and Ruwan Bore districts, as well as Yandoto emirate.

Henceforth, all filling stations on the affected areas are hereby closed with immediate effect.

Anybody found riding motorbike within the areas is considered a terrorist and security agencies will be directed to shoot such persons at sight.

The state government directed the military, police, civil defence and other security agencies to mobilise their operatives and take the fight to the enclaves of the criminals with immediate effect.

However, questions are being raised over the legality of the Zamfara State government’s directive.

As recently as April 2022, Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, kicked against the idea of individuals bearing arms.

According to Dingyadi, the number of illegal arms and ammunition in the country was part of the causes of insecurity.

This was in response to Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, who advcated on the floor of the House, that Nigerians be allowed to bear arms and defend themselves.

But Dingyadi said the Federal Government was working to mop up illegal arms and light weapons in circulation.

Earlier this month, Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum Rotimi Akeredolu warned the Federal Government that its inability to secure life and property would soon leave citizens with no choice but to arm themselves in self defence.