The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for the authorization of firearms for communities as a self-defense measure against rising insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ajayi emphasized the necessity of community involvement in security efforts. He pointed to a recent incident in Azare, Bauchi State, where local residents successfully repelled Boko Haram insurgents, underscoring the effectiveness of armed communities in countering security threats.
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“You do not expect the Nigerian Army, Police, or DSS to protect every Nigerian. It is not going to work,” Ajayi stated. He urged for a paradigm shift that would empower communities to handle localized threats, allowing national security agencies to concentrate on more organized and large-scale criminal activities.
Ajayi also highlighted the importance of actionable security strategies to address the nation’s growing concerns. He commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for fostering collaboration between the military and other security agencies, stressing the need for a collective approach in tackling insecurity.
The proposal is expected to spark national debate, as Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts. Security analysts suggest that while arming communities may enhance local defense, there is a need for structured regulation to prevent potential misuse.
