The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the nation’s firearms laws to permit responsible citizens to legally own guns for self-defence, citing the worsening insecurity across the north-central and northwest regions.

The resolution, passed during Wednesday’s plenary, followed a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru of Kwara South and supported by lawmakers from states most affected by recent attacks. Senators pointed to the abduction of 38 worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara, the kidnapping of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi, and persistent raids that have forced dozens of schools to shut down. They argued that Nigeria’s blanket ban on civilian gun ownership leaves law-abiding citizens vulnerable while criminals remain heavily armed, noting that many countries allow responsible adults to own firearms under strict licensing regimes.

Debate on the motion underscored frustration with the country’s security architecture. Lawmakers raised concerns about troop withdrawals before key attacks, alleged sabotage within the military, and the killing of senior officers, describing these as evidence of systemic failures.

Senate leaders stressed that reforming the firearms law must be part of a broader overhaul of national security, while also commending President Bola Tinubu’s direct involvement in recent rescue operations.

The resolution praised security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted victims in Kebbi and Kwara, but urged communities to expose internal collaborators and called for investigations into suspected sabotage within the services.

While the measure does not immediately amend the Firearms Act, it signals growing legislative momentum toward liberalising civilian gun ownership—a policy shift long resisted but now gaining traction amid public anger over the state’s inability to protect its citizens.

Informed observers say the Senate’s move reflects mounting pressure on the government to rethink security strategies as kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks continue to destabilise communities and erode public confidence in state protection.