Dare Babalola
A former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has faulted the Federal Government’s endorsement of the use of vigilante security outfits to combat insecurity in the country.
In a post on his official X handle on Monday, Kwankwaso warned against the worsening security situation in the country, adding that it poses serious threats to national unity and stability.
The former Minister of Defence said tackling the escalating insecurity remains the primary responsibility of the Federal Government, working alongside state and local governments as well as other key stakeholders.
The former Kano State governor, however, noted that the Federal Government appears overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of the challenges.
Kwankwaso criticised the increasing reliance on state-backed vigilante groups, many of which he noted operate with limited or no professional training, raising concerns about the potential risks and implications for the country’s security landscape.
He wrote, “Regrettably, it appears the Federal Government is overwhelmed. This is evident in its tacit endorsement to allow state governments to establish and deploy vigilante security outfits with little or no professional training. Such a policy, however well-intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.”
The former defense minister also expressed alarm over the growing instances of ethnic and regional profiling, deeming reports of citizens being targeted, harassed, arrested, and in some cases tortured in various parts of the country as deeply disturbing.
He added, “Worst of all, individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia, as we are seeing in the actions of some political elements. Such action further threatens the fragile peace in our country.
“Of equal concern is the rising wave of ethnic and regional profiling of Nigerian citizens within their own country. In recent times, we have witnessed disturbing reports of individuals, particularly from a part of the country, being arbitrarily targeted, harassed, arrested, and, in some cases, tortured in other parts of the country.
“This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation and hate speech on social media, often fuelled by ethnic and religious jingoism. These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion.”
Calling for urgent action, Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to act decisively to halt the growing threats before they deteriorate further.
“The Federal Government must act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control.
“As a former Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, I find the current ease with which arms are being circulated across the country deeply alarming and unacceptable,” he said.
Kwankwaso concluded by congratulating General Christopher Musa (retd.) on his appointment as Minister of Defence, expressing confidence that the former Chief of Defence Staff has the capacity and experience to help restore stability to the country, provided he receives the necessary political support.
