Former Kano State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly criticized the Federal Government over what he described as the worsening security situation across the country, saying terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are operating with increasing confidence while citizens live in fear.
Kwankwaso, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed deep concern over recent attacks in several states, including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara and Oyo. He said the continued violence has left many Nigerians feeling unsafe in their homes and communities.
According to him, the security crisis has reached a dangerous level, with many citizens now unable to sleep peacefully because of fear of attacks by armed groups.
He said banditry, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, communal clashes and armed robbery have become regular occurrences in many parts of the country, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The former governor noted that one of the most disturbing developments is the growing boldness of criminal groups, some of whom now use social media platforms to openly mock security agencies and spread fear among members of the public.
“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.
Nigeria has continued to face serious security challenges in recent years. While the North-West and North-Central regions have struggled with banditry and mass kidnappings, the North-East has continued to battle insurgent groups. Several communities in different parts of the country have also witnessed deadly attacks linked to communal disputes, criminal gangs and armed robberies.
Despite repeated assurances by the government and security agencies that efforts are being intensified to restore peace, attacks on communities, highways and farmlands have continued to occur, resulting in deaths, injuries and displacement of thousands of people.
Kwankwaso argued that the current strategy being adopted by the government has not produced the expected results. According to him, the situation continues to deteriorate despite huge sums of money allocated to the security sector over the years.
The former Minister of Defence said insecurity remains one of the greatest threats facing Nigeria today because it affects not only lives and property but also economic growth, food production and national development.
“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,” he stated.
He added that the country possesses the resources needed to tackle insecurity but lacks the political determination required to address the crisis effectively.
“What we lack today is not resources, but the requisite political will and sincerity to confront this menace head-on,” he said.
Kwankwaso further warned that the persistent attacks are having severe consequences on ordinary Nigerians. According to him, innocent citizens are being killed almost daily, while thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes because of violence.
He said the economic impact of insecurity is equally devastating, as farmers are unable to access their farmlands, businesses are struggling to survive and investors are becoming increasingly cautious about putting money into the country.
Many farming communities across northern Nigeria have repeatedly reported attacks by bandits and terrorists, leading to reduced agricultural activities and concerns about food security. Experts have often linked rising food prices partly to insecurity in major food-producing areas.
The NDC vice presidential candidate stressed that Nigeria cannot continue on its present path and called for a complete review of the nation’s security framework.
According to him, there is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms that will strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies and enhance community participation in security efforts.
He specifically called on the government to invest more in community policing and intelligence-driven operations, arguing that local communities often possess valuable information that can help security agencies prevent attacks before they occur.
Kwankwaso also urged authorities to improve the welfare of military personnel, police officers and other security operatives who risk their lives daily to protect citizens.
He said better welfare packages, improved equipment and stronger motivation would help boost the effectiveness of security personnel in the fight against criminal groups.
Beyond military and policing solutions, the former governor argued that the country must address the social and economic conditions that contribute to insecurity.
According to him, poverty, unemployment and poor governance remain major factors driving criminal activities in many parts of Nigeria.
He therefore called for large-scale investments in education, vocational training and job creation programs aimed at giving young people meaningful opportunities and reducing their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.
Kwankwaso also linked national security to broader development challenges, saying government must improve living conditions for citizens through better public services and infrastructure.
He urged authorities to prioritise quality education, reliable healthcare, modern infrastructure and stable electricity supply as part of efforts to create a more secure and prosperous society.
In addition, he called for greater support for the agricultural sector through the provision of essential farming inputs and policies that encourage local food production.
According to him, strengthening agriculture would not only improve food security but also create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on imported food products.
His comments come at a time when security remains one of the most discussed issues in Nigeria. Political leaders, civil society groups and security experts have continued to offer different solutions to the growing challenges facing the country.
Many Nigerians have repeatedly expressed concern over the frequency of attacks in various regions and have called on the government to take stronger measures to protect lives and property.
As the debate over the nation’s security situation continues, Kwankwaso insisted that urgent action is needed to reverse the current trend and restore public confidence.
He maintained that with strong leadership, effective policies and genuine commitment from those in authority, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and create a safer future for its citizens.
“We must immediately prioritize 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 through massive investment in quality education, skills acquisition and job creation for our teeming youth,” he said.
His remarks add to the growing calls for decisive action as Nigerians look forward to lasting solutions to the security problems that have continued to affect communities across the country.