The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a man identified as Alhaji Tanko Yuguda after he was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 16 rounds of live ammunition, reigniting debates about insecurity and self-defence in Nigeria.
According to police reports, the suspect claimed he acquired the weapon after surviving two separate kidnapping incidents, insisting it was purely for his personal safety. He allegedly obtained the rifle from an individual identified as Yayafi, who is currently on the run.
Police: “No Excuse for Illegal Arms”
Authorities, however, made it clear that no civilian is permitted to own prohibited firearms, regardless of their situation.
“You are not talking about just any firearm — this is an AK-47. No matter how highly placed or wealthy you are, such weapons are prohibited,” a police official stated.
The suspect was paraded on Tuesday, with police stressing that possession of such weapons remains a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law, even when claimed for self-defence.
A Bigger Conversation on Insecurity
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the thin line between survival and illegality. As kidnapping and insecurity persist in parts of the country, some citizens admit feeling forced to seek protection outside official channels.
However, security agencies continue to warn against this, urging citizens to rely on law enforcement structures rather than taking matters into their own hands.
The case adds to growing concerns about how far individuals can go to protect themselves in a system where safety is increasingly uncertain.
“No man is allowed in this country to be in possession of prohibited firearms for your personal protection. Nigerians aren’t allowed to own AK-47, a$$ault rifles and pistols.”
— Nigerian police arrest a man found in possession of AK-47 to protect himself. pic.twitter.com/nECxHclpbv
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) April 7, 2026
