Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

ARGUNGU, Nigeria – Amid rising insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has issued a stark warning: Muslims must not remain passive while bandits and terrorists unleash violence on innocent communities. Speaking during an emergency security meeting with district, village, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, Kebbi State, the traditional ruler advised residents to lawfully acquire weapons for the protection of their families, farms, and communities. “It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women,” the Emir declared. “Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack.”

The Emir expressed deep frustration over the vulnerability of rural communities, noting that many villages lack any form of organized defence. When bandits strike, he said, even village heads flee. “When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he explained. According to the monarch, communities should explore collective efforts to raise funds for the purchase of legally approved weapons to strengthen local self-defence. He also urged residents to ensure that potential attackers know a community is capable of fighting back. “If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

Citing Islamic principles, the Emir argued that passivity in the face of aggression is not supported by the faith. His comments come as Lakurawa terrorists and armed bandits continue to terrorize parts of Kebbi State, killing scores and kidnapping women and children. He clarified, however, that his call is not an endorsement of vigilantism or unlawful actions. He stressed that lawful self-defence had become necessary because security agencies alone cannot shoulder the burden of the escalating crisis.

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While advocating for self-defence, the Emir issued a firm warning against retaliatory violence. “I will not support anyone who uses weapons to target other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful acts,” Mera said. He noted that many attacks in the region are retaliatory in nature, and he appealed to residents not to embark on revenge missions against innocent people. Unlawful killings, he warned, often trigger fresh cycles of violence.

The Emir’s address reflects a grim security reality in Kebbi State. In recent months, Kebbi State has witnessed several deadly incidents. In February 2026, over 30 villagers were killed by Lakurawa fighters in the Bui district of Arewa. In November 2025, about 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga. Multiple villages have been razed, and cattle rustling remains rampant. The Emir alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group have left the area, armed bandits linked to them remain active and continue to terrorize local communities through existing networks.

The Emir of Argungu is not alone in calling for citizens to take up arms. Across Nigeria, there is a growing debate over whether the state has failed in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The Middle Belt Forum has called on the federal government to liberalize access to basic self-defence weapons, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution (right to life). Legal suits have been filed against the government over the refusal to grant firearm licences to citizens for self-defence. Additionally, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has renewed calls for state policing to address localized security threats.

To avoid misinterpretation, the Emir made several clarifications about what he is not calling for. He is not calling for vigilantism or mob justice. He is not supporting ethnic or religious violence. He opposes extrajudicial killings and revenge attacks. Instead, he urges residents to cooperate with security agencies and conduct their affairs with the fear of God. His message is one of lawful, defensive preparedness, not offensive aggression or lawlessness.

In his final advice to communities across the Argungu Emirate, the Emir urged residents to remain vigilant, share intelligence with security forces, and prioritize lawful conduct. “Do not rely on weapons alone,” he said. “Be alert, cooperate with authorities, and let the fear of God guide your actions.” The monarch acknowledged that security agencies alone cannot solve the crisis, but stressed that community efforts must remain within the bounds of the law.

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence