Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly criticized the Federal Government for Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, warning that emboldened criminals now broadcast their exploits live on social media to taunt authorities and terrorize citizens.
Kwankwaso described the widespread surge in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence as leaving Nigeria bleeding profusely. He lamented that people in Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo, and many other states no longer feel safe in their own homes.
Calling the situation totally unacceptable and unworthy of a sovereign nation, Kwankwaso noted that despite substantial budgetary allocations to security, the crisis has worsened, with daily loss of life and the displacement of thousands of families across the country.
Kwankwaso insisted that Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is not insurmountable. He argued that what the country lacks is not resources, but genuine political will and sincere leadership. Drawing on his own experience in public service, he recalled, “Through decisive leadership and community engagement, we were able to significantly reduce security challenges. I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable.”
He further emphasized that comprehensive socio-economic reforms are essential to reducing the root causes of crime. The former governor called for major investments in education, skills training, job creation, infrastructure, healthcare, reliable electricity, and agricultural support to strengthen food security and national resilience.
Kwankwaso also warned that the government’s current approach is failing because criminals exploit weaknesses in leadership and national unity. He suggested that, in the short term, it may be necessary to hire mercenaries to reclaim territories from bandits and terrorists: “The only way we can gain control in the immediate term is to get a group of people who listen to the language of money. You put the cash on the table, and they give you the results. Period.” He argued that such measures could buy time to reorganize and strengthen Nigeria’s own security forces.
Concluding, Kwankwaso cautioned that unless Nigeria confronts its leadership failures, governance gaps, and deep socio-economic inequalities, insecurity will continue to worsen, leaving citizens exposed and eroding the legitimacy of the state.
