Obasanjo identifies four things needed to tackle insecurity in Nigeria

By Ayox Ojo/Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified intelligence, training, equipment and technology as the four things needed to tackle the current spate of insecurity in Nigeria.

Obasanjo said this on Sunday while appearing as a guest at The Toyin Falola Interviews held via Zoom, titled, “A Conversation with His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

While Prof Falola, moderated the event, the former Nigerian President was interviewed by the founder of the Kukah Centre, Matthew Kukah, and former presidential candidate, Kingsley Moghalu.

Obasanjo was said the current spate of insecurity has not spared any part of Nigeria said the country must make use of intelligence, improved training for security personnel, get equipment for the military and adopt modern technology in the fight against insecurity.

“When I talk about four things, intelligence, training, equipment and technology. I know what I’m talking about, and of course, when you get all these right, you must also get the attitude right that you really genuinely want to fight security,” Obasanjo was quoted by Premium Times sa saying during the interview.

He also warned that no part of the country should be overlooked in the ongoing plan to tackle insecurity in the country while the Nigerian government should not shy away from seeking assistance from the international community in addressing the country’s security challenges.

He argued that the spate of insecurity is now beyond the regional dimension.

“When you take it South-east, South-west, North-east, we have issues of security nationally and let us appeal to our government to say look, ‘this is a national issue and please help us and do the right thing.’ Or like I said, if our government is incapable, let us ask the international community. We are part and parcel of the global community, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The global community has an interest in our existence and peaceful existence,” Mr Obasanjo said.

“For that, I will say we have beaten the issue of security enough, but it’s a national issue. No part of the country should be left out when you talk of security,” he added.

He also warned that the increasing number of out-of-school children could become a major security threat in the future if left unaddressed.

‘Tinubu Asks For Our Help’

Obasanjo’s call on Nigeria to seek international help came on the heels of revelation by French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday that the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has requested the help of France to tackle insecurity in the country.

Macron said Tinubu made the request during a phone call on Sunday.

Macron said during the phone call, he conveyed France’s support to Nigeria over the security challenges the country is battling, “particularly the terrorist threat in the North.”

“At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations. We call on all our partners to step up their engagement,” Macron said in a post on X.

Advancing Shared Commitment To Peace, Security With US

Also, the Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu met with a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja on Saturday in an obvious move to strengthen the country’s strategic security partnership with the U.S.

Ribadu, in a post on his official X-Handle of said the visit was a continuation of earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing shared priorities.

The NSA said said the high-level visit underscored the importance both nations attach to cooperation on security and stability.

“This morning, I received a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., on shared security priorities.

“The discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership,” he said.

According to Ribadu, the delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Rep. Riley Moore, alongside the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would translate into more robust collaboration.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.