Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified four crucial elements—intelligence, training, equipment, and technology—as fundamental requirements for effectively resolving Nigeria’s ongoing security crises.
Obasanjo shared these views on Sunday during The Toyin Falola Interviews, a virtual event hosted by Professor Toyin Falola via Zoom.
He participated in a discussion alongside Bishop Matthew Kukah, the founder of the Kukah Centre, and Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a former presidential candidate.
The former president observed that insecurity has spread throughout every part of the country, emphasizing that Nigeria must implement a thorough and contemporary strategy to re-establish peace.
He contended that mandatory actions include strengthening methods for gathering intelligence, enhancing the professional training of security personnel, ensuring the armed forces are properly equipped, and adopting advanced technology.
“When I refer to intelligence, training, equipment, and technology, I speak with precise meaning. And beyond all these elements, we must foster the appropriate mindset, a sincere dedication, to address insecurity with determination,” Obasanjo declared.
He cautioned that the federal government is obligated to ensure that no region is overlooked in the current security operations, adding that the magnitude of the problem necessitates both domestic cohesion and collaboration with global partners.
Obasanjo maintained that the scope of insecurity has extended far past regional limits and must therefore be treated as a nationwide emergency.
He strongly advised the government not to hesitate in requesting international assistance when the need arises.
“We are facing security challenges across the South-East, South-West, and North-East. This constitutes a national concern,” he stated.
“If our government finds itself overwhelmed, there is nothing improper about appealing to the international community. We belong to a worldwide family, and the global community has a vested interest in our national peace and stability,” he asserted.
Finally, he voiced concern over the increasing number of children who are out of school, warning that a failure to manage this issue could generate considerable long-term security threats.
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