Insecurity: Govt has failed Nigerians, Obasanjo backs call for foreign intervention

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has thrown his weight behind calls for international involvement to stem the rising wave of killings and insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that the current government has failed in its basic duty of protecting citizens.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during the Plateau Unity Christmas and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Dwei-Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The former leader, while lamenting the worsening security situation, said modern technology and satellite surveillance were sufficient to identify and neutralise those behind the attacks.

He said, “In this country, one problem we have is the problem of insecurity, and it has been with us. It didn’t begin with this administration and not even the administration before it. The first responsibility of any government is the protection our security of its citizens.”

Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians have every right to seek global assistance if the government remains unable to stop the bloodshed.

“We are part of the world community, and if our government cannot protect us, we have right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do for us,” he warned, adding that excuses linked to tribe or religion were “nonsensical.”

The former president emphasised that citizens across different regions, faiths and professions are being killed without any effective government response.

“We Nigerians are being killed… and our government seem to be incapable of protecting us,” he lamented.

He insisted that it is unacceptable for any administration to allow continued loss of lives while attempting to justify or downplay the attacks.

According to him, “every Nigerian life that is lost… is a shame for Nigeria,” urging authorities to act decisively.

Obasanjo also pointed out that Nigeria has the technological and military capacity to trace and eliminate criminal elements, questioning why such capabilities are not being used.

“And in this day of technology and satellite, there should be nobody to hide anywhere after they commit such crime,” he said, noting that even before he left office, Nigeria already had strong intelligence capacity.

He criticised alleged negotiations and payments to criminal groups, describing the practice as dangerous and counterproductive.

He added that the killings must end and that government must protect all Nigerians regardless of their background.

Obasanjo further appealed for collective effort, noting that security is not a task for a single group or institution. He urged citizens to combine prayers with action and consistently demand accountability from leaders at all levels.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who also spoke at the event, called for greater unity among Plateau residents.

He regretted that divisions have hindered progress and urged the people to embrace what strengthens them instead of dwelling on issues that divide the state.