Plateau attacks: Femi Falana refutes Chief of Army Staff, says Nigerians have right to bear arms

Femi Falana, SAN, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, says Nigerians are entitled to keep and bear arms for self-defence.

Falana was responding to Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who recently campaigned against Nigerians carrying guns.

Following the Christmas Eve attacks on several villages in Plateau State, Lagbaja explained that Nigerians had no constitutional right to own and bear arms.

While reacting to the COAS’ claim, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said Nigerians need to obtain a licence to bear arms for self-defence, stressing that the penal code applicable in the North and the criminal code applicable in the South recognises the right to self-defence.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Sunrise Breakfast on Wednesday, Falana said: “In the first place, it is not correct to say Nigerians have no right to bear arms. Apart from the fact that the penal code applicable in the North and the criminal code applicable in the South recognises the right to self-defence.

“In other words, if someone aims a gun at me, and I can quickly grab another gun, I have the right to shoot.

“But you are required to apply for the licence first.

“I am just talking of the right to self-defence which is also guaranteed by the Constitution.”

Recall that Plateau State was recently thrown into a state of sadness after over a hundred people were killed in attacks on Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, announced the commencement of a special operation to stem the violent attacks that led to the killings and destruction of property in Plateau State.