By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
ABUJA – Senator Ned Nwoko has renewed his call for far-reaching reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the Federal Government to permit qualified Nigerians to legally own firearms for self-defence while creating a framework for licensed private military contractors to support the country’s security agencies.
Afrilensnews reports that the lawmaker, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, made the call on Tuesday while speaking with journalists shortly after plenary at the National Assembly.
Nwoko argued that Nigeria’s deepening security crisis requires bold legislative action beyond the ongoing conversations on state police, insisting that citizens should be empowered to defend themselves under a tightly regulated legal framework.
He disclosed that he has sponsored two separate security-related bills before the National Assembly.
According to the senator, the first bill seeks to legalise firearm ownership for responsible Nigerians through a strict licensing system, while the second proposes the establishment of government-regulated private military contractors that would engage retired military personnel and other trained security professionals.
Explaining the proposed firearm legislation, Nwoko said the bill would not compel anyone to own a gun but would provide qualified citizens with the legal right to acquire firearms after meeting stringent conditions.
He said applicants would undergo comprehensive background checks, professional weapons training and security screening before licences are issued.
The proposed requirements, according to him, include recommendations from traditional rulers or local government chairmen, medical certificates confirming sound mental health, certified firearms training, and security clearance from both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police.
The senator maintained that the country’s security challenges have left millions of law-abiding Nigerians exposed to attacks while criminals continue to possess sophisticated weapons illegally.
“Bad people are already carrying guns illegally. What I am advocating is to allow good citizens who meet stringent conditions to also have the opportunity to defend themselves and their families,” he said.
Nwoko further argued that properly trained and licensed civilians could help prevent attacks in homes, schools and communities before security personnel arrive, stressing that responsible firearm ownership should complement, rather than replace, the duties of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on his second legislative proposal, the senator advocated the creation of licensed private military contractors that would engage thousands of retired soldiers and other experienced security personnel whose expertise, he said, is largely wasted after retirement.
He noted that Nigeria invests huge resources in training military personnel only to lose their valuable experience when they leave active service, despite many remaining physically fit and capable of contributing to national and international security operations.
Drawing comparisons with countries including Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa and Burkina Faso, Nwoko said licensed private security contractors have become effective partners in supporting government security efforts in several jurisdictions.
He argued that establishing a legal framework for private military contractors would create employment opportunities for retired security personnel, preserve valuable military expertise and reduce the risk of former service members drifting into illegal arms trafficking or other criminal activities.
The lawmaker insisted that Nigeria can no longer depend solely on conventional security strategies, urging both the National Assembly and the executive arm of government to embrace innovative reforms capable of strengthening national security and protecting lives and property.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President, the proposed bills could significantly reshape Nigeria’s security framework by expanding citizens’ rights to self-defence under strict regulation and introducing private military contractors into the country’s security ecosystem.
However, the proposals are also expected to ignite nationwide debate over gun ownership, public safety, human rights, regulation, and the role of non-state actors in national security.
