Former Senate President Bukola Saraki Denounces Kwara State’s "Reactive" Security Strategy Amid Unprecedented Surge in Banditry

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki slams the Kwara State Government for proactive failures, claiming the state has become a haven for bandits due to weak governance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

A Stark Deterioration in State Safety

Former Senate President and two-term Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has issued a scathing assessment of the current security landscape in his home state. Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Saraki emphasized that the decline in safety is not a matter of political manufacture but a documented reality facing residents. He noted that from his inauguration in 2003 through his successor’s term ending in 2019, Kwara maintained a reputation for stability that has now effectively vanished, replaced by frequent reports of banditry and kidnapping.

The "Path of Least Resistance" Theory

Saraki proposed that the surge in local crime is a strategic move by armed groups who have migrated from traditional hotspots like Sokoto and Niger. According to Saraki, these groups actively seek out administrative "weak links" where government resistance is minimal. "The bandits have looked at places of least resistance," Saraki stated, suggesting that Kwara has transitioned from a safe haven to a vulnerable target because the current administration failed to "keep their eye on the ball" regarding evolving national security threats.

Criticism of "Optics-Driven" Governance

Central to Saraki's critique is the distinction between proactive prevention and reactive management. He challenged the effectiveness of the state’s current security architecture, describing recent efforts as performing "for optics" rather than substantial engagement. According to the former Senate President, effective security requires consistent, high-level interaction with security agencies through formal Council meetings, a practice he claims has been replaced by superficial engagements that fail to deter criminal elements.