Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria must focus on four major pillars—intelligence, training, equipment, and technology—if the country hopes to decisively overcome the growing security crisis affecting nearly all regions. He stated this on Sunday during The Toyin Falola Interviews, hosted via Zoom by renowned scholar, Professor Toyin Falola.
Obasanjo, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and is known for his strong views on national unity and security, spoke alongside Bishop Matthew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, and Professor Kingsley Moghalu, an economist and former presidential candidate. The discussion centred on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the steps needed to restore peace.
Nigeria has struggled with different forms of insecurity for more than a decade. In the North-East, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents continue to launch attacks. In the North-West, banditry and mass kidnappings have become frequent. The North-Central faces clashes between herders and farming communities, while the South-East has been troubled by attacks linked to separatist groups. The South-West and South-South also report cases of kidnapping, cult violence, and armed robbery.
Obasanjo said it is clear that insecurity is no longer limited to one region or group. According to him, the scale of the problem requires a united national response and the right tools to match the threats.
“We have security challenges across the South-East, South-West, and North-East. This is a national issue,” he said. He added that any government response must cover the entire country and not favour one region over another.
Obasanjo stressed that defeating insecurity requires more than temporary military action or political statements. He listed four non-negotiable steps:
He explained that the security agencies must know where threats are coming from before they can act effectively. Without reliable information, he said, the military and police will always be on the defensive.
The former president noted that modern security threats demand modern skills. He said Nigeria’s security forces must be trained to handle terrorism, cyber threats, advanced weapons, and coordinated attacks.
Obasanjo argued that brave soldiers cannot succeed if they lack the necessary tools, weapons, and protective gear. He said the government must invest in modern equipment to match the firepower of criminals and insurgents.
According to him, the world is now using drones, surveillance systems, data analysis, and modern communication tools to fight crime. Nigeria, he warned, cannot rely on outdated methods.
“When I talk about intelligence, training, equipment, and technology, I know exactly what I am saying,” he stated firmly. “And beyond all these, we must cultivate the right attitude, an honest commitment, to confront insecurity decisively.”
Obasanjo said Nigeria must not hesitate to seek help beyond its borders if the situation becomes overwhelming. He noted that many countries cooperate on security matters, especially when threats cross national borders.
“If our government is overwhelmed, there is nothing wrong with turning to the international community. We are part of a global family, and the world has a vested interest in our peace and stability,” he said.
He added that insecurity in Nigeria has implications for West Africa and the entire continent. Therefore, international partners would be willing to support the government if asked.
During the interview, Obasanjo also raised concerns about the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, estimated by UNICEF to be among the highest in the world. Many of these children are in the northern part of the country.
He warned that leaving millions of young people without education or hope for the future poses a major security risk. According to him, such children are easily recruited by criminal groups, insurgents, or political actors who want to exploit them.
He said that any long-term plan to secure Nigeria must include serious investment in education, especially basic schooling and skills training.
Obasanjo highlighted that defeating insecurity requires a sincere commitment from leaders at all levels. He said Nigerians need to see honesty, courage, and fairness from the government.
According to him, “attitude” is as important as resources. He argued that without discipline, transparency, and seriousness among leaders, even the best equipment or technology will not solve the problem.
During his time as a military officer and later as civilian president, Obasanjo dealt with several national security issues. His administration faced the early years of Boko Haram, Niger Delta militancy, communal clashes, and rising crime. He also led peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone while in the military.
Because of this background, many Nigerians still listen to his views on security, even though he no longer holds political office.
As insecurity remains a major concern for citizens, Obasanjo’s comments add to the ongoing debate about the best way forward. Many analysts believe that Nigeria needs both military solutions and development-oriented approaches, including jobs, education, justice reform and strong local governance.
