Kwankwaso: FG appears overwhelmed by insecurity | Small arms proliferation worrisome

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, has expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in the country.

Kwankwaso said the primary responsibility for tackling insecurity rests with the federal government — who should then work with state, local governments and other stakeholders.

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, said it appears the federal government is overwhelmed by the escalating insecurity.

“It appears the federal government is overwhelmed,” he wrote in a post on X.

He added that allowing states to set up vigilance outfits with little or no professional training has led to the unbridled spread of small arms and light weapons.

“Such a policy, however well-intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country,” he said.

He warned that individuals and political elements are now exploiting the situation by setting up militia groups.

“Individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia,” he said.

Kwankwaso raised concerns over rising ethnic and regional profiling and reports of arbitrary arrests and harassment of citizens in parts of the country.

“These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion,” he said.

He urged the federal government to act decisively and without delay.

“The federal government must act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control,” he said.

Kwankwaso said the ease of arms circulation is deeply alarming.

“I find the current ease with which arms are being circulated across the country deeply alarming and unacceptable,” he added.