Kano – Former Minister of Defence and two-term Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent insecurity to a lack of political will from the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government. He made the remarks while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the passing-out parade of 2,000 newly recruited watchmen under the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.
Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), recalled the outstanding performance of Nigerian troops on peacekeeping missions in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, and Sudan, contrasting it with the ongoing insecurity challenges at home.
“Based on that experience, many of us believe what we lack today is political will, especially from the Commander-in-Chief himself,” Kwankwaso said. “The Commander-in-Chief must come forward and truly assume that role by providing the military and other security agencies with adequate training, recruitment, equipment, arms, and ammunition.”
He further called on the Federal Government to integrate trained youths from Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states into the nation’s security architecture to strengthen the fight against banditry. “In our blueprint, we clearly stated that over a short period, this country requires not less than one million military personnel, based on experiences within Nigeria and other parts of the world,” he added.
Kwankwaso also highlighted that insecurity is not limited to the North-West, pointing out the establishment of complementary security outfits, such as Amotekun in the South-West. He lamented the continued killings and kidnappings nationwide, stressing that security remains the primary responsibility of the Federal Government.
“As we celebrate here today, many of our people are still in the bush being kidnapped, while others are being killed. The Federal Government must not only provide leadership but also take responsibility for ensuring peace and stability for development,” he said.
Despite the grim national picture, Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps would help restore peace in border communities currently experiencing pockets of insecurity.
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