Surging insecurity in Nigeria appears to be overwhelming the Federal Government, and by implications threatening national unity and stability, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has declared.
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence, stated this on his verified Facebook page, just as he expressed “deep personal concern”, which he attributed to the government’s growing inability to deal with banditry, terrorism, ethnic tensions, and the uncontrolled proliferation of arms.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), during the 2023 elections said these problems were now over stretching beyond the capacity of the current security architecture.
Senator Kwankwaso pointed at the clearest indication of the government’s struggle in the approval the FG granted state governments to establish vigilante outfits despite little or no formal training.
He said this has increased the proliferation of small arms and light weapons nationwide, adding that the trend is being abused by political interests who are allegedly setting up personal militias, further endangering Nigeria’s fragile peace.
“Worst of all, individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia, like we are seeing in the actions of some political elements. Such action further threatens the fragile peace in our country,” he added.
He said there is a disturbing increase in ethnic and regional profiling, adding that Nigerians—particularly those from a certain region—are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, harassment, and even torture in various parts of the country.
“This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation, and hate speech on social media, often fueled by ethnic and religious jingoism. These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion,” he said.
Kwankwaso told Federal Government to act “decisively and without delay” to end the dangerous drift before it escalates further.
“As a former Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, I find the current ease with which arms are being circulated across the country deeply alarming and unacceptable,” he said.
He, however, congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, saying he can make a positive impact if given the required political support.
“I am confident that, with the necessary political will and support, he possesses the competence and experience to make a significant difference in restoring security and stability to our nation,” Kwankwaso added.
