Kwankwaso faults security strategy, calls for urgent reforms

Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that insecurity is worsening across the country despite massive investments in the sector.

Mr Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement shared on X on Tuesday, where he expressed concern over the escalating wave of violence affecting several parts of Nigeria.

“I have noted with grave concern the escalating wave of insecurity that has engulfed our beloved nation. Once again, Nigeria is bleeding profusely,” he said.

The remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity in different parts of Nigeria, with kidnappings, armed attacks and communal violence continuing to threaten public safety and economic activities.

Mr Kwankwaso listed states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara and Oyo among areas heavily affected by insecurity, noting that many Nigerians now live in fear due to banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and armed robbery.

According to him, the situation has become more troubling because of the increasing boldness of criminal groups operating across the country.

“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,” Mr Kwankwaso stated.

Calls for overhaul of security architecture

Drawing from his experience as a former Minister of Defence and governor, Mr Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are not beyond resolution if there is strong political will and effective leadership.

“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 said.

He maintained that despite huge budgetary allocations to the security sector, the current approach has failed to produce meaningful results, while innocent citizens continue to lose their lives and thousands remain displaced.

Push for community policing, welfare and job creation

Mr Kwankwaso called for improved welfare and motivation for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering and stronger community policing initiatives.

He also urged the government to address socio-economic issues fueling insecurity by investing more in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity supply, agriculture, skills acquisition and employment opportunities.

“We must immediately prioritise 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; poverty, mass unemployment, and poor governance,” he said.

Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for reforms aimed at strengthening local intelligence, improving inter-agency collaboration and addressing the economic conditions contributing to rising criminality.