Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has rejected ongoing appeals for dialogue with bandits, insisting that Nigeria must adopt tougher measures and seek help from global partners to address the worsening security crisis.
Speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos, he delivered a strong message to the Federal Government, saying Obasanjo speaks on insecurity with deep concern and urgency.
Obasanjo, reacting to the surge in killings and mass abductions across the North, said it was unacceptable for government to continue apologising or negotiating with terrorists while citizens live in fear.
His comments follow multiple attacks, including the abduction of 315 students and 13 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and earlier kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger communities.
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The former president argued that Nigerians have the right to seek foreign intervention when their own government fails to provide adequate protection.
“We are part of the world community. If our government cannot protect us, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do,” he said, reinforcing the urgency as Obasanjo speaks on insecurity.
Obasanjo also questioned why authorities have not fully deployed modern technology, such as drones and advanced tracking systems, to dismantle terrorist hideouts. He recalled that even before leaving office, Nigeria already had the capacity to locate criminals anywhere in the country. With improved tools now available, he said there is no justification for continued negotiations with violent groups.
“Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating?” Obasanjo asked, challenging the government to adopt a more decisive security strategy. His remarks come at a time when citizens are increasingly anxious and demanding accountability, as Obasanjo speaks on insecurity with renewed pressure on national leaders.