By Minister of defence, Bashir Magashi, has asked Nigerians to defend themselves amidst the rising security challenges in the country, particularly banditry.
The minister made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the National Assembly compex on the sideline of the screening of the new service chiefs by the House of Representatives.
Magashi said victims of banditry should resist such attacks and let the criminals know that “even the villagers have the competency and capability to defend themselves”.
He added that Nigerians should not run away from minor attacks by criminals but stand up to them.
“Well, is it the responsibility of the military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.”
“We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots, everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.
“Why should people run away from minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away,” the minister told reporters.
Magashi said although the security agencies are “so stretched”, they remain “capable of protecting the integrity of this nation and will continue to do it.”
His remarks is coming hours after the latest kidnap incident in Niger state which involved both staff and students.
