Kwankwaso Demands Security Overhaul as Insecurity Worsens

The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, calling for a comprehensive reform of the country's security strategy. In a statement released on Tuesday, Kwankwaso noted that the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and armed robbery has left many Nigerians in a state of fear. He stated that the situation has become so dire that citizens can no longer 'sleep with both eyes closed' due to the constant threat of violence. Kwankwaso, who has served as a governor and Minister of Defence, emphasized that the security challenges facing the country are not insurmountable. He argued that the problem lies not with a lack of resources, but rather with the insufficient political will to decisively confront insecurity. The former governor pointed out that despite substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector, the current strategy has failed to yield the desired results, resulting in the continued loss of innocent lives and displacement of thousands of families. Kwankwaso advocated for improved welfare and motivation for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and community policing. He also stressed the need for the government to address the root causes of insecurity by investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. According to him, '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.' Kwankwaso's remarks come at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of the country, with attacks by armed groups and kidnappings posing significant challenges to public safety and economic activities.