Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Nigerian government over its handling of national security and urged the use of modern technology, including drones, to neutralise criminal groups.
Speaking on Friday at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol, he expressed concern over the worsening insecurity affecting people across all regions, religions, and professions. He noted that the violence, which intensified after the Chibok schoolgirl abduction, has continued to deteriorate.
Obasanjo argued that the government has failed in its responsibility to protect citizens. He stated that Nigerians have the right to seek assistance from the international community if the government cannot guarantee their safety.
He said the killings cannot be justified by claims tied to tribe, region, or religion and insisted that authorities must act decisively to stop the violence.
The former president also questioned why security agencies are not fully deploying available technology. He recalled that during his tenure, intelligence agencies could identify any criminal within Nigeria but lacked equipment for remote operations. He said the country now has drones capable of eliminating identified threats but is not using them effectively.
According to him, negotiating with or apologising to criminal groups instead of confronting them with force undermines national security efforts.
His remarks add pressure on the government amid a recent rise in attacks and kidnappings. Similar criticisms were also made by Datti Baba-Ahmed, who argued that an empowered and corruption-free police force could successfully combat terrorism and banditry.
In response to recent concerns, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that security agencies know the locations of many bandit groups but stressed that airstrikes cannot be carried out carelessly because civilians live close to the criminal hideouts.
