Former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the nation is facing a dangerous security crisis that requires immediate and decisive action.
In a statement on Monday, Kwankwaso lamented the growing wave of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery affecting several parts of the country, including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo, and other states.
According to him, many Nigerians can no longer sleep peacefully as criminal activities continue to spread across the country.
He described as alarming the increasing boldness of criminal groups, noting that some now openly use social media platforms to taunt authorities and instill fear among citizens.
“This is totally unacceptable and not befitting of a sovereign nation like ours,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, Kwankwaso maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are not insurmountable, stressing that what is lacking is the political will and sincerity needed to tackle the problem effectively.
He argued that despite huge budgetary allocations to the security sector, the security situation continues to deteriorate, leading to loss of lives, mass displacement of communities, and economic hardship.
“The current approach has clearly failed. 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,” he stated.
Kwankwaso called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved welfare for security personnel, stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced community policing, and deliberate efforts to address the root causes of insecurity.
He also urged the government to invest heavily in quality education, skills acquisition, job creation, healthcare, modern infrastructure, reliable electricity supply, and agricultural support programmes.
According to him, addressing poverty, unemployment, and poor governance remains critical to achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.
“We cannot continue on this dangerous path,” Kwankwaso warned, adding that sustainable security can only be achieved through good governance and investments that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
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