By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
The Emir of Argungu, Dr. Muhammad Samaila Mera CON, has directed residents of Argungu Emirate and other Northern communities to legally obtain firearms to protect themselves against bandit attacks and kidnapping. He made the call during a palace meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the gathering, the Emir said communities can no longer afford to remain passive while criminals kill, abduct, and assault citizens. “A Muslim cannot sit idle while criminals kill, kidnap, and assault our people,” he stated, referencing Islamic teachings on self-preservation.
Dr. Mera urged traditional rulers to mobilize their communities to pool resources and purchase approved firearms through legal channels. “If bandits know you can defend yourselves, they may think twice,” he told the leaders, stressing that the weapons must be properly licensed and regulated.
The Emir clarified that he was not advocating lawlessness or vigilante justice. He said his position centers on legitimate self-defence because security agencies are overstretched and cannot respond quickly to every attack across rural Kebbi. He warned against extrajudicial killings and ethnic revenge.
“Anyone using weapons to attack other groups would lose my support. Unlawful killings only spark cycles of revenge,” Dr. Mera cautioned. He said communities must maintain moral discipline and work alongside security personnel rather than replace them.
He lamented that many villages remain defenseless and lack the capacity to resist attacks. According to him, when bandits strike, even community leaders flee, leaving women, children, and the elderly exposed. He described the situation as deeply troubling.
The security situation in Kebbi State has deteriorated in recent years. Bandit gangs have intensified attacks on villages, leading to hundreds of deaths. Kidnapping for ransom is now rampant, and schools have shut down repeatedly due to threats against students and teachers. Militants allegedly linked to the Lakurawa group are reported to still operate in parts of the emirate.
The Emir’s directive reflects growing frustration among Northern traditional leaders over persistent insecurity. Many communities say they feel abandoned by state and federal security forces. However, rights groups have warned that arming civilians without strict oversight could escalate conflicts and fuel more violence.
Context: While Dr. Mera’s call highlights desperation in rural areas, Nigeria’s Firearms Act requires that all firearms be licensed by the Inspector General of Police. Security experts say any community-led defence must work within that legal framework to avoid uncontrolled proliferation of weapons. The Emir urged residents to remain alert, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid actions that could trigger ethnic clashes.
About The Author
