Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, warning that the country is facing a dangerous escalation of violence and criminality.
Kwankwaso said the growing incidents of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal clashes, and armed robbery across several states have left millions of Nigerians living in fear and uncertainty.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the former Minister of Defence lamented that many parts of the country have become increasingly unsafe, citing states such as Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo among areas severely affected by insecurity.
“I have noted with grave concern the escalating wave of insecurity that has engulfed our beloved nation. Once again, Nigeria is bleeding profusely. From Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kwara to Oyo and several other parts of the country, our citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed,” he stated.
Kwankwaso, who is the 2027 Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC, described the current security challenges as alarming, noting that criminal groups now operate with increasing boldness.
“Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery have tragically become daily occurrences. What is most alarming is the audacity of these criminals, who now brazenly hold live sessions on social media to taunt the authorities and terrorise the public. This is totally unacceptable and not befitting of a sovereign nation like ours,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in public service, Kwankwaso maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges can be overcome with decisive leadership and a genuine commitment to addressing the crisis.
“As someone who has served this country at various levels, including as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable. What we lack today is not resources, but the requisite political will and sincerity to confront this menace head-on,” he added.
The former governor criticised the current security strategy, arguing that it has failed to deliver the desired results despite significant government spending on security operations.
“The current approach has clearly failed. Despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. Innocent lives are being lost daily, families are displaced in their thousands, and our economy is suffocating under the heavy weight of fear and instability,” Kwankwaso said.
He stressed the need for immediate reforms, insisting that Nigeria’s security framework requires urgent restructuring to effectively respond to evolving threats.
“We cannot continue on this dangerous path. Nigeria’s security architecture requires an urgent and comprehensive overhaul,” he stated.
Beyond security measures, Kwankwaso called for increased government investment in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, and agriculture, saying these interventions would help address some of the underlying causes of insecurity while strengthening economic growth and food security.
“Additionally, to safeguard our socioeconomic wellbeing, the government must prioritise the provision of quality education, modern infrastructure, accessible healthcare, reliable electricity supply, and essential agricultural inputs. This approach will strengthen local food production and reduce over-reliance on imports for food security,” he said.
He further urged authorities to improve the welfare of security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering mechanisms, expand community policing initiatives, and create opportunities for young Nigerians through education and employment programmes.
“We must immediately prioritise the welfare and motivation of our gallant security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, and, most crucially, tackle the root causes of this crisis; poverty, mass unemployment, and poor governance through massive investment in quality education, skills acquisition, and job creation for our teeming youth,” Kwankwaso added.
He called on the government at all levels to take urgent and decisive steps to restore security, protect lives and property, and rebuild public confidence in the nation’s ability to guarantee the safety of its citizens.