Dare Babalola
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s escalating insecurity to a failure of leadership, highlighting concerns over the nation’s ability to address the growing challenges.
In a statement via his X handle on Sunday, the former Anambra governor also called for an immediate investigation into the allegation that government officials supply ammunition and logistics to terrorists.
The former presidential candidate was reacting to a viral video in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces allegedly claimed that government officials were backing them.
He warned that such allegations spark serious concerns that demand immediate attention and can’t be ignored.
“Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials,” he said, adding that the allegation “demands nothing less than an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation.”
Obi expressed dismay that despite massive investments in security over the years, the nation’s insecurity crisis has only deepened, affecting communities across the country.
He stated, “Over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security. Yet insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner.
“This type of news fallout goes to give credence to the much-referenced quotation of late military leader General Sani Abacha that ‘Any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved.’”
He also referenced comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who questioned the continued negotiation with terrorists despite available technology.
“Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country. Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?” Obi quoted Obasanjo as saying.
Obi argued that the federal government has control over telecommunications, intelligence systems and financial trails, yet criminal activities continue unchecked.
“The government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and even financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive. This reality raises serious questions for those in power.”
He further recalled that between 2010 and 2015, Nigeria invested heavily in security infrastructure, particularly under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Between 2010 and 2015, under President Jonathan, Nigeria built one of the most advanced police communication and tracking infrastructures in its history. These systems were designed to track terrorists, monitor communications, and facilitate rapid response.
Questioning the current state of those facilities, Obi asked, “Where are these pieces of equipment, and why are they not being used? Why do terrorists’ confessions so often implicate government officials?”
He also faulted government over what he described as celebration of release of abductees without major arrest of the perpetrators.
“In cases such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School attack, about 100 children were released just days ago, and government officials celebrated. Yet no terrorist was arrested, no punishment announced, and, to this day, no clear update has been given on the more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity.”
Obi questioned why available technology had not been deployed to rescue the remaining victims.
“Why have we not deployed the equipment already at our disposal to trace these terrorists and rescue the remaining abducted schoolchildren?” he asked.
He warned that persistent insecurity points to either failure of government or complacency.
“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either.
“A government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it eliminates it. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property. Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity – leaders who will end this insecurity once and for all.”
