Olusegun Ariyo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has outlined four critical pillars: intelligence, training, equipment, and technology, as essential to overcoming Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Sunday during The Toyin Falola Interviews, held via Zoom with Professor Toyin Falola as host.
He was engaged in conversation by Bishop Matthew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.
The former president noted that insecurity has reached every corner of the country, stressing that Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive and modern approach to restoring peace.
According to him, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving the training of security personnel, equipping the armed forces adequately, and integrating advanced technology are non-negotiable steps.
“When I talk about intelligence, training, equipment, and technology, I know exactly what I am saying. And beyond all these, we must cultivate the right attitude, an honest commitment, to confront insecurity decisively,” Obasanjo stated.
He cautioned that the federal government must ensure that no region is neglected in ongoing security operations, adding that the scale of the problem requires both national unity and global cooperation.
Obasanjo argued that insecurity has grown far beyond regional boundaries and should be addressed as a nationwide emergency.
He urged the government not to hesitate in seeking international assistance when necessary.
“We have security challenges across the South-East, South-West, and North-East. This is a national issue.
“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 also raised an alarm about the rising population of out-of-school children, warning that failure to address the issue could create significant long-term security threats.
