Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has critically assessed the Bola Tinubu administration’s approach to national security, asserting that the government fails to adequately empower the Nigerian military in its fight against widespread insecurity. Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso, who previously served as Minister of Defence, claimed the current leadership lacks the crucial “political will” required to effectively tackle the nation’s escalating security challenges. His remarks were made during the launch of a new 2,000-strong Neighbourhood Security Network in Kano, drawing attention to the perceived gaps in federal security efforts.
Kwankwaso emphasized his intimate knowledge of the Nigerian military’s capabilities, stemming from his tenure as Defence Minister. He lauded the armed forces for their historical bravery and professionalism, citing their distinguished service in international peacekeeping missions such as those in Darfur and Liberia. According to Kwankwaso, the military’s proven track record globally underscores its inherent strength, which he believes is currently underutilized due to a perceived lack of decisive government action.
The former presidential candidate directly challenged President Tinubu, urging him to “rise to the occasion” and embody his role as Commander-in-Chief by providing the necessary resources and strategic direction. Kwankwaso lamented the tragic loss of innocent lives across Nigeria, with perpetrators often escaping justice, suggesting this indicates a profound failure in governance. He called for the government to issue an apology to Nigerians for what he termed its “laxity” in addressing the pervasive security crisis gripping the nation.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security threats, ranging from Islamist insurgencies in the North-East to rampant banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and communal clashes across various regions. These persistent challenges have severely impacted economic activities, displaced millions, and eroded public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. Kwankwaso’s comments resonate with a significant portion of the populace concerned about the deteriorating security landscape.
President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has repeatedly pledged to prioritize national security, vowing to “crush” all forms of criminal elements. His administration has initiated various security operations and procured new equipment for the armed forces. However, critics like Kwankwaso argue that these efforts have yet to yield the desired comprehensive results, particularly in fostering a sense of safety and stability across the country.
Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has often positioned himself as a strong advocate for national security and good governance. His criticism of the federal government aligns with his broader political agenda, which includes a potential presidential bid in the 2027 general elections. Such pronouncements from a former Defence Minister carry significant weight in public discourse regarding military effectiveness and government accountability.
Looking ahead, Kwankwaso outlined an ambitious vision for bolstering Nigeria’s defence capabilities should he become president. He committed to recruiting over one million military personnel, a substantial increase aimed at overwhelming criminal elements and securing the nation’s vast territories. This proposal highlights his belief that a significant expansion of manpower, coupled with political resolve, is essential to reversing the current insecurity trends.
He further asserted that any government failing in its fundamental duty to protect the lives and properties of its citizens has “woefully failed” and forfeits its legitimacy to remain in power. This strong declaration underscores the high stakes involved in the national security debate and serves as a direct challenge to the incumbent administration’s performance metrics. The ongoing discourse between opposition figures and the government reflects the deep public concern over Nigeria’s stability.
