October 5, 2026 Independent · Authoritative · Nigerian
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Which Governmental Agency in Nigeria Licences Herdsmen for Firearms?

Which Governmental Agency in Nigeria Licences Herdsmen for Firearms?
FridayPosts editorial image · Which Governmental Agency in Nigeria Licences Herdsmen for Firearms?
The present security situation in Nigeria is nothing short of surprises and calls for some examinations and cross examinations of the reality, which is definitely not the ideal. I remember very well that a couple of decades ag0, most herdsmen relied on cutlasses and a few sticks to lead their animals and probable defend themselves and their cattle from rustlers or thieves generally. Our experience has a nation of over 170 million is nothing close to the ideal; instead of carrying the sticks; these herdsmen now carry weapons of destruction. Does it mean that the animals have grown in stubbornness that their 'leaders' now need a more sophisticated instrument to lead them? If the herdsmen require to use weapons like AK47 for their pastoral farming; the question then is, which governmental agency is responsible for their firearms licence? The next question is, were these herdsmen licenced for firearms by responsible government agency? If yes, how come? How come these unregulated group of people (both Nigerians, Nigeriens, Chadians, etc.) have access to weapons that can probably destroy a whole village? What is the moral reason for such licensing? Let me assume that these herdsmen have never sought for any licence; does it then mean that they bear such arms around the country, harming Nigerians in their numbers from one state to another with such audacity without any restraint? I might like to ask, what exactly were the agencies of security in Nigeria doing all along? Were they calm because of orders from above? Or were they scared of these deadly group of people? I really wish to ask more questions; but will really need to rest my case for now!
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