Amidst the intense onslaughts of bandits across the country, defence minister Bashir Magashi has challenged Nigerians to defend themselves against the “minor” shooting by bandits.

Mr. Magashi said this while addressing reporters in a video making rounds on social media.

Emphasizing the need for citizens to protect themselves against attacks, he advised Nigerians against cowardice. 

“At times, the bandits will only come with about three rounds of ammunition, when they fire shots everybody runs. In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us,” the minister boasted.

“I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capability to defend themselves.”

Speaking further, Mr. Magashi said they are capable of protecting the nation and “we’ll continue to do it even though we are so stretched.”

Notwithstanding his advice, the minister was skeptical about legalising firearms for the people to defend themselves.

“Even in the developed countries, they are still debating on it, whether to continue or not. But I don’t advise Nigeria to start issuing firearms for personal use,” Mr. Magashi said when asked.

The defence minister’s admonition appears to tally with that of Taraba Governor, Darius Ishaku who had weeks ago advocated that the public defend themselves against the marauding brigands.

Mr. Ishaku who spoke following the killing of a local government chairman in Taraba challenged the federal government to legalise guns for citizens to protect themselves against attacks.

“If we cannot be able to provide security for our citizens, then allow all the citizens to buy AK47, because if everybody is licensed with AK47, I swear nobody will come to your house, or per adventure he does, then it depends on who is faster,” the visibly frustrated governor said.