Kwankwaso Faults Nigeria's Security Strategy, Seeks Urgent Reforms

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and vice-presidential candidate, has strongly criticized Nigeria's security architecture, demanding an immediate overhaul. He warned that despite substantial investments, insecurity is escalating across the nation, leaving many citizens living in fear.

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I have noted with grave concern the escalating wave of insecurity that has engulfed our beloved nation. Once again, Nigeria is bleeding profusely.

Kwankwaso highlighted the prevalence of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery, noting that states like Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo are particularly affected. He expressed alarm at the growing boldness of criminal groups, some of whom now taunt authorities and the public through live social media sessions. "This is totally unacceptable and not befitting of a sovereign nation like ours," he stated.

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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.

Drawing on his experience as a former governor and minister of defense, Kwankwaso asserted that Nigeria's security challenges are surmountable. He argued that the core issue is not a lack of resources but insufficient political will to decisively tackle insecurity. He pointed out that current strategies have failed to yield desired results, leading to continued loss of innocent lives and displacement of thousands.

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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.

To address the crisis, Kwankwaso called for enhanced welfare and motivation for security personnel, strengthened intelligence gathering, and improved community policing. Crucially, he urged the government to tackle the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, mass unemployment, and poor governance. He advocated for increased investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation as essential steps to reduce the factors fueling the crisis.

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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.