Former Kano State governor and presidential hopeful, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of lacking the resolve needed to effectively confront Nigeria’s growing insecurity challenges.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Tuesday in Kano during the launch of the state’s newly established 2,000-strong Neighbourhood Security Network. According to him, the problem facing the country is not the capability of the Nigerian military, but the absence of strong political direction from the highest level of government.

He argued that Nigeria’s armed forces have a proven track record of excellence, recalling their involvement in international peacekeeping missions in places such as Liberia and Darfur. Kwankwaso stressed that Nigerian troops have consistently demonstrated professionalism and bravery whenever they are properly supported.

“The President must live up to his role as Commander-in-Chief and take decisive action against insecurity,” he said, lamenting the continued loss of innocent lives across the country. He added that criminals often escape justice, further worsening public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens.

Kwankwaso went on to accuse the federal government of failing Nigerians and said an apology was owed to citizens over what he described as a weak response to security threats. Drawing from his experience as a former Defence Minister, he insisted that the military only needs clear leadership, adequate equipment and firm political backing to reverse the current trend.

“Our soldiers are courageous and highly trained. What is missing is the political will to allow them do what is necessary,” he stated. “Historically, the Nigerian military has ranked among the best in the world, and they can once again restore security if properly empowered.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Kwankwaso revealed that he would prioritise national security if elected president. He said his plans would include the recruitment of more than one million additional military personnel to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

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He concluded by asserting that any government unable to safeguard lives and property has fundamentally failed in its responsibility and should not remain in power.