The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), has charged Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits, saying it amounted to cowardice not to do so.
He stated this while addressing journalists, according to a video shared on Twitter by AIT.
According to him, many of the bandits usually embarked on operations without adequate ammunition but victims hardly knew because of fear.
Magashi said it was high time Nigerians began to confront bandits.
“It is the responsibility of everybody to keep alert and to find safety when necessary. But we shouldn’t be cowards.
“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.
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“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 capabilities to defend themselves.
“Our own duty is to ensure that no Nigerian is hurt, and we are capable of protecting the integrity of this nation and we’ll continue to do it even though we are so stretched,” Magashi stated.
Asked if the Federal Government could permit Nigerians to bear arms for personal protection, Magashi said, “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.”
Watch video below:
It is the responsibility of everybody to keep alert,
defend yourselves; we shouldn't be cowards –
Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen (Rtd) Bashir Salihi Magashi pic.twitter.com/JoGnnohaV9
— AIT (@AIT_Online) February 17, 2021
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