Kwankwaso Raises Alarm Over Militias, Urges Federal Oversight of Security

Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, has expressed deep concern over the rising security threats and the proliferation of militia groups across Nigeria.

Kwankwaso criticized the Federal Government’s “tacit endorsement” of allowing state governments to establish vigilante security outfits with minimal professional training, a move he believes has inadvertently fueled the spread of small arms and the rise of independent militias.

His warning comes in the wake of the recruitment of 12,000 independent security personnel in Kano State by former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

In a post on his verified X handle, Kwankwaso emphasized that ensuring citizens’ security is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, working in collaboration with state and local authorities. He lamented the apparent delegation of this responsibility to states, suggesting it reflects the administration of President Bola Tinubu being overstretched.

“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,” Kwankwaso said. “Such a policy, however well-intentioned, has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Individuals have begun establishing their own militias, further threatening the fragile peace in our country.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the Kano initiative, including Baffa Dan-Agundi, former Managing Director of Kano Road Transport Agency (KAROTA), defended the recruitment drive as a way to provide opportunities for 12,000 youths who had been laid off by the state government.

Sheikh Harooun Ibn Sina, former Hisbah Commander under the Ganduje administration and current head of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillah under the Ganduje Foundation, clarified that the organization is voluntary and not officially affiliated with the Kano State government.