Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has rejected the idea of negotiating with bandits, insisting that Nigeria must take decisive action and embrace international assistance to tackle insecurity.
Speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival 2025, Obasanjo said the Federal Government and leaders at all levels must fulfil their responsibility to protect lives rather than resort to appeasing criminals.
He noted that with today’s advanced satellite and drone technologies, criminals should have no hiding place, recalling that even before he left office, Nigeria already had the capacity to identify and track perpetrators.
The former president questioned why such tools are not being deployed more aggressively, asking why the country continues to apologise or negotiate with criminals instead of confronting them decisively.
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According to him, it is not enough to pray, as Nigerians must insist that government institutions act effectively.
He warned against normalising or comparing tragedies, stressing that every Nigerian life lost to criminality is a national shame.
Obasanjo argued that tackling insecurity requires collective effort from citizens, security agencies, experts, and even international partners.
Obasanjo said his stance comes from deep concern about Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for urgent, coordinated action.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
