A former Governor of Kano and vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the country’s security challenges, saying the administration lacks the political will needed to confront insecurity effectively.

Kwankwaso, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, citing persistent attacks in states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara and Oyo.

According to him, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and armed robbery have become recurring incidents, leaving many Nigerians living in fear.

He described as alarming the growing boldness of criminal groups, noting that some now use social media platforms to taunt security agencies and spread fear among citizens.

Kwankwaso argued that insecurity in Nigeria is not insurmountable, recalling his experience as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where he said security challenges were addressed through decisive leadership and community engagement.

He maintained that the country’s major challenge is not a lack of resources but the absence of the political will and sincerity required to tackle insecurity decisively.

The former minister said the current strategy has failed to deliver results despite substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector, adding that lives continue to be lost daily while thousands of families have been displaced.

He called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need to improve the welfare of security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance community policing.

Kwankwaso also urged the government to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and poor governance, through investments in quality education, skills acquisition and job creation.

Additionally, he called on the government to prioritise the provision of quality education, modern infrastructure, accessible healthcare, reliable electricity supply and agricultural support to boost local food production and strengthen economic stability (TRIBUNE)