Insecurity: Nigerians Have the Right to Seek International Intervention if Government Fails, Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigerians are justified in seeking international assistance if the federal government continues to fail in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. He made the remarks on Friday at the Plateau Unity Christmas and Praise Festival, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Dwei Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Speaking to a large gathering, Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the rising level of insecurity across the country. He described the situation as unacceptable and alarming. He lamented that Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or profession, are being killed in large numbers while the government appears unable or unwilling to respond effectively.

He said, “We are being killed. We Nigerians, no matter what religion you belong to, no matter where you come from, no matter your profession, are being killed. Our government seems to be incapable of protecting us.”

The former president stressed that Nigeria is part of the global community. He said that if the government cannot guarantee the security of its people, citizens have the right to seek help from outside the country. He argued that national sovereignty should not be used as an excuse for government inaction in the face of ongoing killings and displacement.

He added, “If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do for us. If we are being killed, it is the responsibility of government to take action.”

Obasanjo also condemned the persistence of criminal activities despite advancements in modern technology. According to him, with available tools such as satellites and drones, no criminal should be able to hide after committing atrocities.

He recalled that during his administration, security agencies were able to identify and locate criminals using existing intelligence tools. However, what was lacking at the time was the ability to carry out precise operations without deploying personnel by land or air.

He said, “Before I left government, we had the capacity to identify anyone in Nigeria. What we did not have was the capacity to pick up a criminal without moving on land or by air. Now we have drones. You can take them out. Why are we not doing that”

Obasanjo questioned the government’s approach of negotiating with armed criminals, bandits, and terrorists. He described the practice as dangerous and counterproductive. He accused authorities of paying ransom while publicly denying such payments, saying that these actions encourage criminal groups.

He said, “Why are we negotiating, and after government has paid these criminals, government denies it”

The former president urged leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to take their responsibilities seriously. He insisted that Nigerians have had enough of violence and bloodshed, and called for decisive action to end the insecurity.

He said, “We should appeal to our government to do what needs to be done to stop Nigerians being killed. We are tired of being killed. Whether they are Christians, Muslims, or pagans, they are Nigerians, and the life of every Nigerian matters. It should stop.”

Obasanjo’s remarks come at a time of renewed attacks in several parts of the country, including Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara, and the North East. Communities continue to experience killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property. His comments mirror the growing frustration across the country regarding the government’s inability to tackle armed violence, banditry, and terrorism.

The event, which was organised as a symbol of unity and peace on the Plateau, provided a platform for reflection on the state of the nation and the need for collective action to end the cycle of violence..