[News] Insecurity: People should not take arms illegally to defend themselves – Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi

Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi has reacted to some Governor’s call for self-defence against criminals in the country.

 

Speaking during the 2nd annual media briefing at Force headquarters in Abuja, Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi stated that though Governors are entitled to their opinions, people should not take up arms illegally to defend themselves.

 

Stressing that the challenges presented by the bandits was the guerilla warfare strategy of hit-and-run which the armed forces were determined to contain, Dingyadi added that the government and the armed forces need the support of the citizenry as it is “equal to the task”.

 

The Minister said;

 

“I think we should know that we are in Nigeria, where everybody is entitled to his opinion. I think the governor has the right to canvass for what he thinks it is right in his state.

“Of course, we shouldn’t expect the people to just be sleeping without taking measures to ensure that they secure themselves, they secure their neighbours and they secure their communities. That is the essence of community policing.

“So, we need to have the support and partnership of Nigerians in the efforts we are making towards fighting crimes and criminalities. I think that is what the governor is talking about.

“Everybody should contribute his quota towards fighting crimes. We are not saying people should take arms illegally.

“What we’re saying is that people should get ready in whatever it takes to do so, to ensure that we protect ourselves, we protect our neighbours, we protect our communities.”