Kwankwaso Decries Untrained Vigilante Security Outfits, Proliferation of Light Arms

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has decried the proliferation of untrained, unofficial security groups in Nigeria, warning, “This well-meaning policy has unintentionally fuelled the unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons in the country.”

Kwankwaso, in his verified X account, stated that the federal government was overwhelmed, as evident in its tacit endorsement of allowing state governments to establish and deploy vigilante security outfits with little or no professional training.

The former Minister of Defence expressed profound personal concern over the recent developments in the country, voicing dismay about the current state of national affairs.

Kwankwaso stated, “Having served within the system for many years, I am aware that the primary responsibility for tackling the escalating insecurity in Nigeria rests with the federal government, in collaboration with state and local governments as well as other critical stakeholders.

“Regrettably, it appears the federal government is overwhelmed. This is evident in its tacit endorsement to allow state governments to establish and deploy vigilante security outfits with little or no professional training.

“Such a policy, however well-intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.

“Worst of all, individuals have begun taking advantage of this by setting up their militia, like we are seeing in the actions of some political elements. Such action further threatens the fragile peace in our country.

“Of equal concern is the rising wave of ethnic and regional profiling of Nigerian citizens within their own country. In recent times, we have witnessed disturbing reports of individuals, particularly from a part of the country, being arbitrarily targeted, harassed, arrested, and in some cases tortured in other parts of the country.”

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement further explained, “This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation, and hate speech on social media, often fuelled by ethnic and religious jingoism. These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion.

“The federal government must act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control.”

He warned, “As a former Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, I find the current ease with which arms are being circulated across the country deeply alarming and unacceptable.”