Kwankwaso Blames Creation Of State Security Outfits For Arms Proliferation

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has attributed the establishment of state vigilante security outfits for the unchecked spread of arms among Nigerians.

Kwankwaso said the menace appeared that the federal government was overwhelmed.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Kwankwaso said, “The recent developments in our country have filled me with deep personal concern about the state of our national affairs.”

He noted that while addressing the escalating insecurity was primarily the responsibility of the federal government, it must be done in collaboration with state and local governments and other critical stakeholders.

Kwankwaso further criticised the tacit approval for state governments to establish vigilante security outfits, noting that “such a policy, however well-intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.”

He warned, “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.”

The former Minister of Defence also highlighted concerns over rising ethnic and regional profiling, “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.

“This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation, and hate speech on social media, often fueled by ethnic and religious jingoism.”

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) stressed that these developments posed a grave threat to national unity and cohesion.

Calling for urgent action, Kwankwaso charged the federal government to “act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control.”

He described the ease with which arms currently circulated as “deeply alarming and unacceptable,” drawing on his experience as former Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.