The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to review the country’s firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own guns, citing escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
The call followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States,” sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South). The motion highlighted recent attacks on schools, worship centres, and rural communities, including the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.
Senators urged immediate federal action to curb rising banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes, warning that mass school abductions and persistent raids have forced closures of schools, including all 47 unity schools nationwide, disrupting education for thousands of children.
The Upper Chamber commended President Bola Tinubu for cancelling foreign trips to coordinate security responses, which facilitated the release of 38 abductees in Kwara and 51 students in Niger State.
Lawmakers also called on communities in affected states and across Nigeria to remain vigilant, united, and supportive of security agencies while resisting internal collaborators undermining national safety.
Senators emphasized that Nigeria’s firearm laws should reflect current security challenges, noting that over 175 countries allow responsible citizens to legally own guns.
