Former Kano State governor and veteran security-policy voice Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that the federal government appears “overwhelmed” and must urgently act to halt the unchecked spread of terrorist militias, proliferation of weapons and escalating ethnic tensions. In a statement issued Monday, Kwankwaso congratulated the newly appointed Defence Minister, Christopher Gwabin Musa, but cautioned that without bold political will and decisive interventions, the country’s fragile peace may be lost.
Kwankwaso pointed to what he described as a tacit government endorsement of vigilante security outfits many formed and deployed by state governments with little or no professional training. While such measures may have been introduced with good intentions, he argued they have inadvertently facilitated the “uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons” across the country. He warned that this proliferation has opened the door for individuals including political elements to set up private militias, thereby undermining national security. ing, arbitrary arrests and harassment, often followed by torture or intimidation. He also expressed concern over the surge in hate speech and inflammatory content on social media fuelled by religious and ethnic bigotry which he believes is deepening divisions and threatening national cohesion.
As a former Defence Minister and ex-chairman of the committee on small arms control, Kwankwaso described the current ease of arms circulation across Nigeria as “deeply alarming and unacceptable.” He urged immediate, decisive action from the federal government to reverse these dangerous developments before the country spirals further into chaos. He insisted that restoring peace must include disarming militias, controlling proliferation of weapons, policing hate speech, and ensuring professional, regulated security structures.
In closing, while congratulating Christopher Musa on his new appointment, Kwankwaso warned that without strong political backing and swift measures, Nigeria risks sliding into deeper insecurity — a situation he said could endanger national unity and the lives of innocent citizens.