Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has urged the federal government to revise its legislation to enable civilians to purchase firearms for self-defense against bandits and terrorists.
Radda conveyed this perspective during a recent media interview, as reported by Channels Television.
Governor Radda stressed that with their numerical strength, determination, and the support of law enforcement, civilians should be permitted to acquire arms for protection, following the model of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno.
He noted that these armed civilians would operate under the protection of the police and the heavily-armed military.
He further emphasized the need for concerted efforts and reforms at the federal level to allow legal firearm possession by citizens who wish to safeguard themselves.
The governor pointed out that if bandits can acquire illegal weapons such as AK-47s and RPGs, law-abiding citizens should have the same right to self-defense.
Governor Radda made it clear that he was not in favor of negotiating with bandits, categorizing it as a “no-go area” for him.
However, he expressed willingness to consider reintegration into society for bandits who voluntarily surrender their arms and seek dialogue, as long as it occurs from a position of strength rather than appeasement.