Kwankwaso Faults FG’s Handling of Insecurity, Warns of Rising Ethnic Tensions

 

Former Minister of Defence and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday raised fresh concerns over the country’s deteriorating security climate, saying the Federal Government appears overwhelmed by the scale of emerging threats.

In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Kano State governor said insecurity has reached a level that demands urgent and coordinated action by the Federal, state and local governments, alongside other key security stakeholders.

Kwankwaso, however, noted that recent developments suggest that the central government is struggling to get a firm grip on the crisis.

He criticised the increasing reliance on state-backed vigilante groups with little or no professional training, warning that the trend has accelerated the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.

He said: “Regrettably, it appears the Federal Government is overwhelmed. This is evident in its tacit endorsement of the establishment and deployment of vigilante outfits with little or no professional training. While well-intentioned, this policy has inadvertently encouraged the uncontrolled spread of arms nationwide.”

The NNPP leader also decried the rising cases of ethnic and regional profiling, citing reports of Nigerians being harassed, arrested and, in some cases, tortured in regions outside their home states.

Kwankwaso warned that some political actors were taking advantage of the tension to establish private militias, thereby threatening national unity.

“Worst of all, individuals have begun taking advantage of the situation by setting up their militia, as seen in the actions of some political elements. This further threatens the fragile peace in our country.”

He added that harassment, intimidation and hate speech on social media—often driven by ethnic and religious sentiments—are heightening divisions.

Calling for urgent intervention, Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to act decisively to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

He congratulated General Christopher Musa (retd.) on his appointment as Minister of Defence, expressing confidence in his capacity to confront the security challenges if adequately supported politically.