By Uzair Adam
Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has attributed the persistent insecurity in Nigeria to what he described as a lack of political will by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Kwankwaso made the assertion on Tuesday while serving as the special guest of honour at the passing-out parade of 2,000 newly recruited personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.
Drawing from his experience as a former Minister of Defence, the NNPP leader said Nigerian troops have consistently demonstrated professionalism and effectiveness during international peacekeeping missions but face difficulties in tackling insecurity at home due to inadequate political backing.
According to him, the capacity of Nigeria’s security personnel is not in doubt, stressing that what is missing is firm commitment at the highest level of leadership.
He said the Commander-in-Chief must ensure adequate training, recruitment, equipment, arms and ammunition for the military and other security agencies to enable them to confront security challenges effectively.
Kwankwaso also called on the federal government to integrate trained personnel from northern states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara into national security operations.
He argued that Nigeria needs no fewer than one million military personnel to effectively address both internal and regional security threats.
He further noted that beyond the North-West, the country requires additional armed security forces to complement the efforts of the military and other agencies, adding that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the federal government.
Despite his criticism, Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps initiative would contribute significantly to restoring peace in border and vulnerable communities grappling with insecurity.