A former Minister of Defence, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has warned that allowing state governments to establish and deploy vigilante security outfits “with little or no professional training” would inadvertently facilitate the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
In a press statement, Kwankwaso said the tacit endorsement of the policy by the Federal Government, however well-intentioned, is already encouraging some individuals to start setting up their militia, which further threatens the fragile peace in the country.
He said: “The recent developments in our country have filled me with deep personal concern about the state of our national affairs.
“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.”
The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former governor of Kano State added: “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.
“This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation, and hate speech on social media, often fueled by ethnic and religious jingoism. These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion.”
He called on the Federal Government to act decisively and without delay to reverse “these dangerous developments before they spiral further out of control.”
He said: “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.”
Kwankwaso congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retired) on his “well-deserved appointment” as Minister of Defence.
“I am confident that, with the necessary political will and support, he possesses the competence and experience to make a significant difference in restoring security and stability to our nation,” he said.
