Legalising guns will tear Nigeria apart — Activist raises alarm

A human rights activist based in Warri, Delta State, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, has cautioned that legalising firearms for private citizens could further destabilise Nigeria and worsen the country’s already fragile security situation.

Agberen issued the warning in a statement on Thursday, stressing that any policy permitting gun ownership must come with strict regulations and effective enforcement, otherwise it risks tearing the society further apart.

He noted that while many Nigerians feel compelled to advocate for licensed firearms due to rising insecurity and government’s failure to adequately protect lives, such policies only work in nations where governance systems are stable.

According to him, firearms are more safely accessible in developed societies because the state has already ensured effective governance, functional institutions and social systems that discourage crime.

He said, “While many citizens believe it is essential for the Federal Government to permit licensed use of firearms due to heightened insecurity and government failure at all levels, firearms are only licensed and accessible in stable and developed environments where government has ensured effective governance and smooth state operations.”

Agberen warned that in volatile or underdeveloped countries like Nigeria — where basic social structures such as unemployment benefits, social security, industrialisation and welfare support are lacking,  legalising guns carries serious risks.

He argued that such conditions would likely lead to firearms falling into wrong hands, intensifying insecurity and complicating the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.

“These underlying factors can complicate the role of law enforcement and could lead to people taking the law into their own hands,” he said. “This may increase death rates among young people even without fair hearings.”

He further warned of a possible rise in gun-related violence, especially as the country is already grappling with cultism, armed robbery, banditry and other criminal activities.

Agberen urged the government to focus on strengthening the economy, improving security institutions, and restoring public trust before considering any conversation around civilian access to firearms.