Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has cautioned that the Federal Government is struggling to contain Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and warned that urgent action is needed to prevent the spread of militias and violent groups.

Kwankwaso congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, expressing confidence in his ability to restore stability. He said, however, that recent national developments are deeply concerning.

“The Federal Government appears overwhelmed and unable to respond adequately to the security crisis,” he said, noting that the tacit approval for state governments to deploy vigilante groups has inadvertently fueled the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Kwankwaso warned that this environment has encouraged opportunism, with some individuals establishing militias, further threatening fragile peace. He also condemned rising ethnic profiling, harassment, and social media-fueled hate speech, describing them as serious threats to national unity.

“The Federal Government must act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control,” he urged.

Drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Defence and former Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Kwankwaso emphasized that uncontrolled access to arms exacerbates insecurity.

His comments come amid regional efforts, including state-level vigilante initiatives such as Amotekun in the Southwest, aimed at combating kidnappings, banditry, and killings across Nigeria.