Former President urges tougher action against armed groups after nationwide attacks, accusing government of failing to protect citizens amid rising insecurity.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticized Nigeria’s handling of its worsening security crisis, warning that citizens have the right to seek support from the international community when their government cannot safeguard their lives.
Speaking during a Christmas Carol event in Jos, Plateau State, Obasanjo said the recent spike in attacks, abductions and armed insurgent activity reflects a dangerous collapse in public safety. He urged the government of President Bola Tinubu to abandon any strategy involving negotiation or concessions to armed groups, insisting that only decisive force can restore security.
Nigeria has witnessed a wave of violent incidents in recent weeks. More than 200 schoolchildren were abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kebbi states. In Kwara State, armed men stormed a church and livestreamed the abduction of worshippers, sparking public outrage.
In Borno State, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ambushed a military convoy and captured Brigadier General M. Uba alive before later executing him, according to security sources. Similar attacks and kidnappings have been reported across Zamfara, Sokoto and Yobe, where armed groups continue to target rural communities and travelers.
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Obasanjo, a former military leader who governed Nigeria twice, said the federal government is not demonstrating the capacity required to curb the escalating violence.
“No matter what religion you belong to, no matter where you come from, we Nigerians are being killed, and our government seems to be incapable of protecting us,” he said. “If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do for us.”
He condemned any approach that involves negotiating with armed groups, arguing that such gestures only embolden those carrying out attacks. The former president said the state must respond with strength, not dialogue, to restore confidence among citizens.
The Presidency has yet to respond to Obasanjo’s comments. However, earlier this week, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency and ordered the immediate recruitment of additional security personnel. The government has also pledged to deploy new equipment and enhance intelligence operations across conflict-prone regions.
Despite these measures, insecurity remains a central challenge for the administration, with communities nationwide demanding stronger protections and more effective counter-terrorism strategies. Obasanjo’s remarks add pressure on the government at a time when public frustration is growing over the relentless violence.
