The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has criticised former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma (retired), for urging Nigerians to take up self-defence in response to the country’s rising insecurity.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme aired on Channels Television on Monday, Governor Namadi described the statement as potentially inciting and warned that it could lead to widespread lawlessness.
“He is a very senior security person and should be respected. But if he says that citizens should be allowed to defend themselves, I think you are causing anarchy,” Namadi said. “His words need to be analysed carefully.”
General Danjuma made the controversial statement at a public event on Saturday in Takum, Taraba State.
He said, “The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves. We cannot continue to sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.”
The remarks have sparked renewed debate across Nigeria regarding the deteriorating security situation and the perceived failure of the federal government to adequately protect citizens. Large parts of northern and central Nigeria remain plagued by criminal gangs, kidnappers, and extremist Islamic groups, with rural communities often left defenceless.
However, Governor Namadi insisted that Nigeria has not reached a point where citizens should resort to taking the law into their own hands. He pointed to efforts within Jigawa State as an example of alternative approaches.
“When we assumed office, we employed several strategies and brought in experts. We also engaged traditional rulers and established standing committees to communicate with the people. Now, they understand that fighting or killing each other is not the solution,” he said.
Namadi also voiced his support for the establishment of state police, calling it a necessary step toward improving internal security.
“The idea of State Police is still very much alive,” he said. “Many states have indicated interest. At the level of the National Economic Council, discussions are ongoing, and I believe it will eventually be implemented.”
While Danjuma’s call reflects the frustration of many Nigerians who feel abandoned by the central government, Namadi warned: “We must be careful not to plunge the country into chaos under the guise of self-defence.”
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