Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has cautioned against the recent call by former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), urging Nigerians to resort to self-defense amidst rising insecurity, warning that such a move could plunge the country into anarchy.
Speaking during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, Governor Namadi acknowledged Danjuma’s stature as a respected military elder but stressed the dangers inherent in encouraging citizens to take the law into their hands.
“He is a very senior security person and should be respected,” Namadi said.
“But if he says that citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, I think you are causing anarchy. His words need to be analysed carefully.”
Danjuma had recently advised residents of Benue and Plateau states to defend themselves against bandits, sparking nationwide debate on the state of Nigeria’s security and the role of the government in protecting its citizens.
However, Governor Namadi insisted that the country had not reached a point where individuals should resort to self-help, adding that such a direction could undermine the rule of law and escalate violence.
“We have not reached the level where people need to defend themselves,” Namadi stated.
“When we assumed office, we employed a lot of strategies and brought in experts.
We also engaged traditional rulers and established standing committees to communicate with the people. Now, they understand that fighting or killing each other is not the solution.”
He highlighted efforts by the Jigawa State Government in strengthening local security through community engagement and strategic planning, describing it as a model that could be replicated nationwide.
The governor also threw his weight behind the establishment of state police, describing it as a long-overdue reform necessary to address Nigeria’s security challenges effectively.
“The idea of state police is still very much alive,” Namadi said. “Many states have indicated interest. At the level of the National Economic Council, discussions are ongoing, and I believe it will eventually be implemented.”
His remarks come amid renewed calls from stakeholders across the country for decentralised policing as a means to address the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, and banditry, especially in rural communities.
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