A Call for Political Will in Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges
A former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has highlighted the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, attributing it to a lack of political will rather than the incapacity of the armed forces. His comments were made during his appearance as the Special Guest of Honour at the passing-out parade of 2,000 newly recruited personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.
The event, organized by the Kano State Government, marked the formal induction of these operatives into community-based security operations across the state. The ceremony served as a platform for Kwankwaso to express his views on the nation’s security challenges and the need for strategic interventions.
According to reports, the former governor emphasized that Nigeria’s military has repeatedly demonstrated its competence in international peacekeeping missions. He pointed out that troops have proven their capabilities in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Darfur. However, he argued that these same forces have not been adequately empowered to decisively deal with banditry and terrorism within the country.
“Our problem as a country is not the absence of capable soldiers. Nigerian troops have proven themselves in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur and other international missions,” Kwankwaso said.
He stressed that with the right equipment, training, and firm leadership, the military could effectively combat the criminal elements operating in ungoverned spaces across Nigeria. This sentiment underscores the importance of investing in the capacity of the armed forces to meet domestic security needs.
Kwankwaso called on the federal government to take decisive actions against bandits and terror groups. He advocated for massive investment in recruitment, modern equipment, and continuous retraining of security personnel. These steps, he believes, are essential for building a more resilient and effective security apparatus.
In addition to his remarks on the national level, Kwankwaso congratulated the newly commissioned Neighbourhood Watch officers. He commended the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for prioritizing grassroots security initiatives. “I congratulate these young men and women who have taken up the responsibility of protecting their communities. They must discharge their duties with dedication, discipline and professionalism,” he said.
The former defence minister also advised the Federal Government to consider absorbing trained youths from state-backed security outfits in the North-West and other regions into the national armed forces. According to him, Nigeria requires no fewer than 1 million military personnel to effectively secure its population and vast territory.
“Our security challenges demand bold decisions. Integrating trained youths from local security initiatives into the armed forces will strengthen national capacity and help restore safety across the country,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s remarks came during the graduation ceremony of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps. The state government described the initiative as aimed at complementing conventional security agencies in tackling crime at the community level.
This approach highlights the growing recognition of the need for multi-layered security strategies that involve both formal and informal mechanisms. By integrating local efforts with national resources, there is potential to create a more comprehensive and effective security framework.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with various security threats, the call for political will and strategic investment remains critical. The insights provided by figures like Kwankwaso serve as a reminder that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and determined effort from all levels of government and society.
