Police arrest man for possessing AK-47, claims it’s for self defense after he had been kidnapped twice
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that civilians are prohibited from possessing firearms following the arrest of a man found with an AK-47 rifle.
Man arrested with AK-47
The suspect, identified as Alhaji Tanko, was apprehended and paraded on Tuesday after authorities discovered the weapon and live ammunition in his possession.
Police said the man allegedly acquired the rifle after surviving two separate kidnapping incidents, claiming it was for self-protection.
The development has reignited conversations around insecurity and the limits of personal defence in Nigeria.
“At the time of his arrest, Alhaji Tanko Yuguda was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 16 rounds of live ammunition. The weapon was reportedly obtained from an individual identified as Yayafi, who remains at large.”
Police stress strict firearm laws
Speaking on the matter, police authorities emphasised that Nigerian law strictly prohibits the ownership of high-powered weapons such as assault rifles and pistols by civilians, regardless of personal circumstances.
They maintained that such possession constitutes a criminal offence and warned against attempts to justify it on the grounds of self-defence.
“I always say, I don’t think anybody is allowed in this country to be in possession of prohibited firearms for personal protection. You are not talking about any firearm here, we are talking about an AK-47 rifle. No matter how highly placed or wealthy you are, certain arms are prohibited.”
In recent years, similar cases have emerged as insecurity and kidnapping incidents pushed some individuals to seek personal protection outside legal frameworks.
However, authorities continue to insist on strict compliance with existing laws while urging citizens to rely on security agencies for protection.
Watch the video below…
“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