Nigerian Christians Face Legal Battle for the Right to Defend Themselves Nigerian Christians are advocating for constitutional reform to establish state-level police forces, as the current federal monopoly on policing leaves them vulnerable to attacks by Fulani extremists. Despite legislative efforts and appeals from Christian leaders, the amendment required to decentralize policing has not yet passed the National Assembly. This push for self-defense comes amidst a backdrop of widespread violence, abductions, and killings of Christians, with Open Doors ranking Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians globally.

• Fulani extremists frequently attack Christian villages with large, armed groups, often using motorcycles.
• Nigeria’s Firearms Act restricts civilian gun ownership, and a 2019 executive order revoked remaining private licenses, leaving many Christian communities unarmed.
• Nigerian Christians are pushing for a constitutional amendment to allow state-level police forces for defense.
• Open Doors identifies Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with thousands killed and churches attacked annually.
• Recent attacks include abductions and killings in various states, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
• Many locals report that security forces were alerted but refused to respond during attacks.
• Section 214(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution mandates a single Nigeria Police Force, legally disarming rural communities.
• Christian leaders, including Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, have framed self-defense as a matter of natural justice.
• The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is demanding the passage of the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill to amend Section 214(1).
• President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff indicated progress on constitutional amendment for state police.
• The House of Representatives has renewed calls for decentralizing security architecture, including state police.
• Critics warn of potential abuse of power by governors over state police forces.
• Despite a deadline missed in December 2025, the Senate has committed to concluding the constitutional amendment process before the end of 2026.
• The amendment process faces obstacles, including political mobilization and concerns over safeguards against gubernatorial abuse.
• For the first time since 1999, the constitutional barrier to state-level policing appears closer to being removed.