Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has warned against the clamour by prominent Nigerians and groups for citizens to arm themselves for self-defence, saying it is illegal.
General Irabor said on Wednesday at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State capital, that taking up arms for self defence is prohibited by the law and people should not by any reason acquire arms for self defence.
According to Irabor, “it has to do with you taking measures to ensure that you run into safety. You prevent any movement that is injurious to you; knowing who your neighbors is. Knowing what your
neighbour is made up. Knowing the character of your neighbour and your locality and knowing bad elements around your environment.
“Please, educate your neighbours and everyone that not until you carry arm before you defend yourself. What you see that is abnormal you report to the security. It is not until you carry weapons that you can defend yourself. So, defending your self is not about carrying guns.”
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State; his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom; some individuals and organisations have recently called on Nigerians to defend themselves against
terrorists and bandits.