Vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the Federal Government over the worsening security situation across the country, saying many Nigerians now live in fear.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the former Kano State governor said the increasing wave of attacks in different parts of the country has left citizens feeling unsafe in their homes and communities.
Kwankwaso pointed to recent incidents in Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara and Oyo states, describing the attacks as a painful reminder that the country’s security challenges are far from over.
According to him, “our citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed”, as banditry, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, communal violence and armed robbery continue to claim lives and destroy livelihoods.
He expressed concern over what he described as the growing confidence of criminal groups, alleging that some now openly use social media platforms to intimidate the public and mock security authorities.
Kwankwaso said the development was unacceptable for a country like Nigeria and called for urgent action to reverse the trend.
The former Minister of Defence argued that the nation has the capacity to tackle insecurity if there is enough commitment from those in authority.
He maintained that security problems are not impossible to overcome, recalling that previous efforts involving decisive leadership and community participation had produced positive results.
Kwankwaso also questioned the effectiveness of the current security strategy, noting that despite huge government spending in the sector, attacks and kidnappings have continued in many parts of the country.
He said the situation has forced thousands of families out of their homes, while businesses and economic activities have suffered because of fear and uncertainty.
The NDC chieftain called for a complete review of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the welfare of security personnel should be given priority.
He urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and expand community policing as part of efforts to improve safety across the country.
Beyond military operations, Kwankwaso said authorities must address the social and economic issues fuelling criminal activities.
He called for greater investment in education, skills development and employment opportunities for young people, insisting that poverty and joblessness remain major drivers of insecurity.
The former governor also appealed for improved healthcare services, better infrastructure, stable electricity supply and stronger support for agriculture, saying these measures would boost economic growth and improve food security.
