Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a stern caution over Nigeria’s growing insecurity, warning that the deepening crisis threatens the cohesion of the nation if urgent measures are not taken.
Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, took to his verified X account on Monday to express concern that the country is “drifting into a dangerous security experiment,” as more states rely on vigilante forces to respond to violent crimes.
He argued that safeguarding lives and preventing the escalation of violence remains the fundamental duty of the Federal Government, stressing that security cannot be traded or delegated without consequences.
“You cannot outsource national security and expect national stability,” he reportedly said, adding that the situation now shows clear signs that the burden has overwhelmed authorities at the centre.
Moreover, the former Kano State governor faulted the rapid emergence of state-backed militias and community defence units, many of which, he said, lack professional training and operate without strong regulatory frameworks.
According to him, the rise of such outfits has “unintentionally opened the floodgates to small arms proliferation,” a trend he described as deeply troubling for a country already grappling with banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
Kwankwaso further raised alarm over what he called an “unsettling wave of ethnic suspicion,” noting reports of Nigerians being profiled, harassed, or detained due to their regional identity.
He warned that the mix of political militia activities, hate speech, and ethnic tension, especially online, creates fertile ground for chaos.
He emphasised that misinformation and extremist rhetoric on social media are compounding the situation, stating that many political actors are “toying dangerously with the fragile balance that keeps Nigeria together.”
However, he expressed confidence that the crisis could be reversed if the Federal Government responds swiftly and demonstrates the political resolve to reinforce national security institutions.
He urged a coordinated response involving federal, state, and local authorities, backed by intelligence reforms.
Kwankwaso, who once chaired the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, said the ease with which weapons now circulate is “alarming and unacceptable,” stressing that restoring control of arms should be one of the first steps in addressing the crisis.
Meanwhile, he congratulated retired General Christopher Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, saying the former Chief of Defence Staff possesses the experience required to navigate the country through its security challenges, provided he receives full backing from the government.
Kwankwaso’s statement adds to growing calls for a unified, professionally coordinated security architecture as Nigeria confronts evolving threats across its regions, a challenge that continues to test the endurance of its national unity and institutional strength.