Kwankwaso Calls Out FG as Militias Multiply Nationwide
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – Former Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday accused the Federal Government of allowing the rise of unregulated militias across the country.
The strongman of Kano politics who venerated his views on his verified Facebook account warned that Nigeria is drifting into a dangerous security abyss, adding that the federal government appears losing grip of the escalating security crisis.
Kwankwaso’s alarm comes amid growing fears that the nation’s fragile peace is being undermined by unchecked arms circulation and political opportunism.
Kwankwaso similarly faulted what he described as the government’s “tacit endorsement” of vigilante operations launched by various state governments, warning that such poorly regulated outfits have opened the floodgates for dangerous actors.
“This policy, however well intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country,” he stated.
He raised fresh concerns over the emergence of privately formed militias, accusing some political actors of exploiting the insecurity for selfish ends.
“Individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia,” Kwankwaso warned. “Such action further threatens the fragile peace in our country”.
The two terms former governor of Kano State said he is “filled with deep personal concern about the state of our national affairs,” stressing that the country’s security challenges have reached a point where silence would be irresponsible.
According to him, his long service within the system places him in a position to speak candidly about the deteriorating situation.
He insisted that the Federal Government bears primary responsibility for securing the nation but appears increasingly overwhelmed.
Kwankwaso noted that “The primary responsibility for tackling the escalating insecurity in Nigeria rests with the Federal Government” .
He however lamented that Abuja’s recent posture suggests an inability to cope with the depth of the crisis.
Kwankwaso therefore condemned the growing trend of ethnic and regional profiling, describing it as a direct assault on the nation’s unity.
“The Federal Government must act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control,” he stressed.
Kwankwaso seized the opportunity to congratulate General Christopher Gwabin Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence.
In his words, “I am confident that, with the necessary political will and support, he possesses the competence and experience to make a significant difference in restoring security and stability to our nation”.