The federal government has called Nigerians not to take up arms illegally to defend themselves against bandits.
This call was made by the minister of police affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi during the second annual ministerial media briefing at the police headquarters in Abuja.
The minister made the comment while speaking in the wake of calls by some prominent Nigerians asking citizens to defend themselves against bandits.
The country has seen a surge in the activities of bandits, especially in the northern part of the country.
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Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Masari had requested residents of the state to rise above meekness and defend themselves against the bandits.
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Speaking on Tuesday, Dingyadi said the governor is entitled to his opinion.
“I think we should know that we are in Nigeria, where everybody is entitled to his opinion. I think the governor has the right to canvass for what he thinks it is right in his state,” he said.
“Of course, we shouldn’t expect the people to just be sleeping without taking measures to ensure that they secure themselves, they secure their neighbours and they secure their communities. That is the essence of community policing.
“So, we need to have the support and partnership of Nigerians in the efforts we are making towards fighting crimes and criminalities. I think that is what the governor is talking about.
“Everybody should contribute his quota towards fighting crimes. We are not saying people should take arms illegally.”
The minister, who acknowledged the insecurity in the country, said citizens should play their role in securing their communities.
