Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has raised alarm over the renewed surge in insecurity across the country, urging the Federal Government to respond decisively as violent attacks and kidnappings intensify in several states.
In a statement shared on X, Kwankwaso warned that Nigeria is entering a dangerous phase of instability, pointing to a string of recent incidents that reveal deep cracks in the nation’s security architecture.
He condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing it as a painful reminder of past mass kidnappings that traumatised the country and attracted global outcry.
According to him, the attack mirrors a growing trend in northern Nigeria, where criminal groups increasingly target students for ransom or leverage.
Kwankwaso also lamented the killing of Brigadier-General M. Uba during an ambush by terrorists in Borno State, calling it one of the most devastating blows to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts in recent years.
He said the death of such a senior military officer signalled a serious intelligence lapse and called for an immediate probe to restore confidence within the armed forces.
He further cited ongoing mass abductions in Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to raid rural communities, as evidence that criminal networks remain firmly entrenched despite repeated military operations and negotiations by local governments.
The former defence minister added that the uptick in attacks in Shanono and Ghari local government areas of Kano State proves that insecurity is now spreading beyond historically troubled regions into areas once considered relatively stable.
While he commended the Kano State Government for providing operational vehicles to security agencies, Kwankwaso stressed that such efforts would be insufficient without stronger federal intervention.
He reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, insisting that the recent incidents reflect “clear setbacks in the fight against insecurity.”
Kwankwaso reiterated the need for increased investment in the armed forces and enhanced support for the Nigeria Police Force, noting that many frontline units are overstretched, under-equipped, and lack timely intelligence needed to prevent or effectively respond to attacks.
With Nigeria confronting multiple security challenges, from jihadist insurgents in the northeast to bandit groups in the northwest and separatist movements in the southeast, Kwankwaso warned that continued failures could further erode public trust and deepen the suffering of already vulnerable communities.
He urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to stem the rising wave of violence.
