Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has called for increased public support and accelerated legislative action on two security-related bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to insecurity and improving the country’s overall security architecture.
The lawmaker made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Tuesday, expressing concern over the persistent wave of violent attacks across the country, including the recent killing of senior military officers and other victims of insecurity.
According to Senator Nwoko, the country’s security challenges require bold and innovative legislative solutions capable of complementing existing efforts by security agencies.
Self-Defence Bill
Nwoko explained that his proposed Self-Defence Bill seeks to provide responsible and law-abiding Nigerians with the legal right to own firearms strictly for personal protection under a regulated licensing system.
He stressed that the proposal does not seek to encourage indiscriminate gun ownership but rather to ensure that qualified citizens can defend themselves in life-threatening situations.
Under the proposed legislation, prospective firearm owners would be required to complete certified firearms training, undergo medical and psychological evaluations, obtain character recommendations from their local government chairman or traditional ruler, and secure clearance from both the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police in their respective states before a licence could be issued.
The senator argued that while criminals continue to possess illegal firearms, responsible citizens should not remain completely defenceless.
Private Military Contractors Bill
Senator Nwoko also highlighted his proposed Private Military Contractors Bill, which seeks to establish a legal framework for regulating private military contractors in Nigeria.
According to him, the legislation would enable the government to engage retired military personnel, former security officers and other qualified individuals with military training in organised security operations under strict government oversight.
He said the initiative would help utilise the expertise of experienced security professionals, create employment opportunities, strengthen community security and reduce the proliferation of illegal arms by providing legitimate security roles for trained personnel.
The senator noted that countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Iraq have adopted regulated private military contracting models to support national security efforts.
Call for National Conversation
Nwoko maintained that both legislative proposals are intended to complement—not replace—ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s security sector.
He added that discussions on addressing insecurity should extend beyond calls for state police and include practical policy options capable of enhancing national security.
The lawmaker appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, security experts and other stakeholders to participate in constructive dialogue on the proposed bills, describing public engagement as essential to developing sustainable solutions to the country’s security challenges.
