Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2027 Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, describing the country as “bleeding profusely” and calling for urgent government action.
In a statement posted on his 𝕏 account on Tuesday, the former Kano State governor said the recent wave of violence in states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo demonstrates the severity of the nation’s security challenges.
Kwankwaso noted that banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery have continued to spread across several communities, creating fear and uncertainty among citizens.
“I have noted with grave concern the escalating wave of insecurity that has engulfed our beloved nation. Once again, Nigeria is bleeding profusely,” he said.
“From Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kwara to Oyo and several other parts of the country, our citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed.”
The former governor said he was particularly disturbed by reports that some criminal groups now openly use social media platforms to taunt authorities and intimidate the public.
“Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery have tragically become daily occurrences. What is most alarming is the audacity of these criminals, who now brazenly hold live sessions on social media to taunt the authorities and terrorise the public,” he stated.
Kwankwaso described the situation as unacceptable and unworthy of a sovereign nation, arguing that stronger political commitment is needed to address the crisis effectively.
Drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Defence and governor, he said insecurity is not an impossible challenge to overcome if there is sufficient political will and sincerity from leaders.
“As someone who has served this country at various levels, including as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable,” he said.
“What we lack today is not resources, but the requisite political will and sincerity to confront this menace head-on.”
Kwankwaso criticized the current security strategy, arguing that despite substantial government spending on security, the situation has continued to deteriorate.
“The current approach has clearly failed. Despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly,” he said.
He added that the ongoing insecurity is not only claiming lives but also affecting economic activities, displacing families, and undermining national development.
“Innocent lives are being lost daily, families are displaced in their thousands, and our economy is suffocating under the heavy weight of fear and instability,” he stated.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved welfare for security personnel, stronger intelligence gathering, and enhanced community policing initiatives.
“We must immediately prioritise the welfare and motivation of our gallant security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing,” he said.
Kwankwaso also argued that addressing insecurity requires tackling its underlying causes. He identified poverty, unemployment, and poor governance as major drivers of violence and criminal activity.
According to him, government efforts should focus on investing in quality education, skills acquisition programmes, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity supply, and job creation opportunities for young people.
He further emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture through the provision of essential inputs, saying increased local food production would help strengthen economic stability and reduce dependence on imports.
The statement comes as concerns over insecurity continue to dominate national discussions, with citizens, political leaders, and civil society groups calling for more effective measures to address violence and criminality across the country.
Kwankwaso’s comments add to growing pressure on authorities to implement lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges while improving socioeconomic conditions that many analysts believe contribute to instability.
