Former President Olusegun ObasanjoFormer President warns that Nigeria’s security collapse demands decisive force, modern technology, and help from the international community.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, urging it to stop negotiating with terrorists and instead take firm, strategic action to end the wave of violence spreading across the country. Speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos on Friday, Obasanjo said the rise in killings, mass abductions, and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities shows a failure of leadership that must be urgently corrected.
In recent weeks, northern states have witnessed a troubling escalation of insecurity. On November 21, armed groups invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 315 students and 13 teachers. Just days earlier, on November 17, 26 schoolgirls were taken from the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The pattern of attacks has continued without pause. In Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, bandits stormed the Palaita community and kidnapped 24 farmers, including pregnant women, while they worked on a rice field. Similar incidents were reported in Kano and Kwara, where about 20 residents were seized between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
These attacks follow the release of 38 worshippers who were taken from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, an outcome reportedly achieved through government negotiation with their abductors. Yet barely a day later, ten more people, including a pregnant woman, young children, and nursing mothers—were taken during another raid in Isapa community, just a short distance from Eruku.
At the Jos gathering, Obasanjo expressed deep frustration over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, insisting that citizens have a right to seek international intervention when their government fails to protect them. He emphasized that insecurity affects every Nigerian regardless of religion, region, or profession, and the country must not hesitate to call on global partners if domestic efforts fall short.
Obasanjo highlighted the advancements in modern security technology, stressing that Nigeria has tools it is not using effectively. Comparing the present to his time in office, he explained that while intelligence capabilities existed then, the operational capacity to swiftly neutralize threats was limited. Today, however, drones and other technologies offer the ability to track and eliminate criminal elements without relying on slow ground operations.
He questioned why these tools are not being deployed aggressively, asking, “Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating?” According to him, the continued willingness to engage terrorists in dialogue sends the wrong signal and prolongs the suffering of innocent citizens.
The former President’s remarks add to growing calls for a comprehensive, technology-driven strategy to address Nigeria’s security challenges. His message reflects the frustration felt by many across the country who fear that negotiations have emboldened violent groups rather than curbing their activities.
Obasanjo’s stance reinforces a broader national debate about how the government should respond to terrorism and mass abductions. As communities continue to endure attacks, he insists that decisive action, and, if necessary, international assistance, is the only responsible path forward.
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