Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Federal Government’s current strategy toward armed groups, arguing that repeated negotiations and apologies to terrorists undermine national security and public confidence.
Speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos, Obasanjo said the scale of recent kidnappings and attacks shows a dangerous erosion of state authority, adding that Nigerians are entitled to seek international assistance if their government cannot guarantee their safety.
His comments follow a wave of abductions across several northern states. Within November alone, hundreds of students, teachers, farmers, and worshippers were seized in separate incidents in Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Kano States.
Some victims were freed only after federal negotiators reportedly reached agreements with their abductors.
Obasanjo expressed displeasure at this approach, arguing that governance requires the capacity to prevent such crimes, not to placate those who commit them.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria now has access to advanced security tools—especially drone technology—that could track and disrupt criminal operations more effectively than in previous decades.
He questioned why the government was not fully deploying these assets.
“We once lacked certain capabilities, but Nigeria no longer has that excuse,” he argued, insisting that decisive action is both lawful and necessary to protect lives.
Obasanjo maintained that if national institutions fail in their constitutional duty to safeguard citizens, Nigerians have the right to look beyond domestic borders for help.
His statement reflects growing public frustration over the state’s inability to curb mass abductions and the expanding operations of bandit groups.
