TY Danjuma Warned Nigerians to Defend Themselves, Declares Government Can't Protect Anyone Again | WATCH VIDEO

Takum, Taraba State - In a bold and alarming declaration, Nigeria's former Defence Minister and civil war veteran, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), has issued a fresh call to Nigerians to take up the responsibility of defending themselves, saying the government can no longer guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Speaking in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, the respected elder statesman warned that kidnapping and violent attacks are becoming the new normal, and citizens should no longer wait for the government to save them.

"I know we have a lot of problems, including security, as recently as two or three days ago,ÔÇØ TY Danjuma said. "We have experienced kidnapping. The threat of kidnapping will continue until we, every one of us, rise up and defend ourselves.ÔÇØ

Danjuma, who has in the past raised similar warnings, insisted that his words in a previous speech delivered in Wukari years ago remain even more relevant today. In that speech, he warned of the growing failure of government security structures and urged communities to prepare to defend themselves from internal and external threats.

"It is quite clear the government alone cannot do it. I have warned a very long time ago... that our people must be prepared to defend themselves. That warning is as valid today as it was when I made it.ÔÇØ

TY Danjuma comments come amid a surge in insecurity across Nigeria - from banditry in the North-West, killings in the North-Central, to kidnapping-for-ransom across the South. Just days ago, Takum itself was reportedly affected by fresh kidnappings.

The chilling call to arms by one of Nigeria's most senior former military officers has sparked widespread public concern, especially as it mirrors the growing frustration and hopelessness felt by millions of Nigerians who now feel abandoned by a failing security system.

Also over the weekend, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto echoed similar sentiments in his 2025 Easter message, calling on President Bola Tinubu to urgently rescue Nigerians from the "cross of evil.ÔÇØ

Kukah lamented that Nigeria is bleeding from "savagery and brutality never witnessed in the history of our dear country.ÔÇØ

The repeated warnings from respected national figures like TY Danjuma and Kukah raise serious questions: Is Nigeria slipping into a state of lawlessness? And has the government completely lost control of national security?