In response to the worsening security challenges across the country, popular cleric Bishop Mike Bamidele has called on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to pass legislation authorizing self-defense training and limited weapon acquisition for citizens.
Bamidele, the General Overseer of Victory Chapel International Church, made the call on Monday in Osogbo during a press briefing held shortly after a ministers’ conference marking the 2026 Pentecost Day.
The cleric warned that Nigeria is effectively in a war situation, alleging that certain groups are actively attempting to seize lands and overrun communities.
He argued that the current crisis requires immediate legislative action to empower citizens to protect themselves.
“State and federal authorities should allow this to happen so that people can be trained in self-defense and acquire some level of weapons, because we are in a war situation in this country, except we are deceiving ourselves. It is only being overly calm and nice that makes people think otherwise,” Bamidele stated.
The cleric urged Christian bodies to seek international support for intelligence gathering and advised individuals to seek training abroad if local laws remain restrictive.
He also appealed to retired military generals of Christian faith to volunteer their expertise to train communities and individuals in defensive tactics.
Emphasizing that security training should cut across personal, family, and community levels, Bamidele noted that specific defense tactics should be taught to vulnerable groups.
He highlighted the need for women and girls to learn how to counter sexual assault, and for citizens to learn how to disarm bandits.
While advocating for physical preparedness and structured institutional security, Bamidele concluded his address with a spiritual charge, urging Nigerians to seek divine intervention and the power of the Holy Spirit to navigate the country’s current hardships.