Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former minister of defence, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape and growing threats to national unity.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, in Kano, Kwankwaso said recent developments have convinced him that the Federal Government is struggling to contain the escalating insecurity across the country.
According to him, the government’s apparent inability to effectively manage the situation is reflected in its increasing reliance on state-created vigilante groups—many of which, he noted, are formed and deployed with little or no professional training.
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He warned that this trend has “inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” further endangering citizens.
Kwankwaso also criticised the emergence of politically motivated militias, describing them as a direct threat to the nation’s fragile peace. “Individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia,” he said, adding that such actions undermine national stability and could worsen existing tensions.
Equally troubling, he said, is the rising wave of ethnic and regional profiling of Nigerians living outside their home regions. He highlighted reports of citizens—particularly from one part of the country—being arbitrarily harassed, arrested, or even tortured in other areas.
He linked this to increasing online hate speech fuelled by ethnic and religious extremism. “These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion. I am urging the Federal Government to act decisively and without delay to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control”, he stated.
Reflecting on his previous roles as Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, he described the current circulation of weapons nationwide as “deeply alarming and unacceptable.”
Despite his concerns, Kwankwaso ended on a positive note, congratulating Christopher Musa on his appointment as the new Minister of Defence. He expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to restore security and stability—provided he receives the necessary political support.
“I am confident that, with the required political will, he possesses the competence and experience to make a significant difference,” Kwankwaso said.
