A former presidential candidate and ex-Defence Minister, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has raised alarm over what he described as the Federal Government’s apparent inability to contain the growing insecurity across Nigeria. In a statement released on Monday, Kwankwaso warned that the escalating violence poses serious threats to national stability and urged immediate, decisive action to address the worsening security situation. (punchng.com)
Kwankwaso emphasized that tackling insecurity is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, in collaboration with state and local authorities. However, he expressed concern that federal efforts have been overstretched, leading to a reliance on poorly regulated local vigilante groups. According to him, while these groups may be well-intentioned, they have inadvertently facilitated the spread of small arms and light weapons, worsening the security environment across the country. (punchng.com)
The former Defence Minister described the proliferation of small arms as “deeply alarming and unacceptable,” warning that it enables the formation of irregular militias by individuals or political actors. He stressed that such developments further intensify insecurity and undermine community peace. Kwankwaso also raised concern about the rising instances of ethnic and regional profiling, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, particularly of citizens outside their home states, describing these trends as deeply disturbing. (punchng.com)
In addition to physical insecurity, Kwankwaso pointed to the growing threat of hate speech and intimidation on social media, often fueled by ethnic and religious tensions. He argued that such online activities exacerbate divisions and undermine national cohesion. According to him, these emerging challenges highlight that Nigeria’s insecurity is not only about crime but also about eroding trust and social harmony. (punchng.com)
Kwankwaso called on the Federal Government to act decisively and without delay, emphasizing that addressing insecurity requires a coordinated, strategic approach. This should include intelligence-led operations, effective training, stricter weapon control, and protection of citizens’ rights. He also lauded the recent appointment of Christopher Musa (retd.) as Defence Minister, expressing hope that with adequate support, Musa can lead efforts to restore stability. (punchng.com)
Highlighting the broader implications for national unity, Kwankwaso noted that recent spikes in violence — including banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes — threaten more than physical security. They also jeopardize social cohesion and the equitable treatment of all citizens. By warning about militia proliferation, ethnic profiling, and the circulation of weapons, he stressed that insecurity in Nigeria is both a governance and societal issue. (punchng.com)
Kwankwaso’s statement has drawn attention to the urgent need for reforms and stronger federal intervention to protect citizens and maintain national stability. The coming weeks will show whether the Federal Government responds to these warnings with concrete measures, such as better intelligence coordination, regulation of vigilante groups, and stricter enforcement of laws on weapons. For now, Kwankwaso’s warnings amplify growing public concern that Nigeria faces an escalating security crisis.
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