Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified intelligence, training, equipment, and technology as the four critical pillars needed to effectively confront Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Sunday during The Toyin Falola Interviews, held via Zoom and anchored by Professor Toyin Falola. He was joined in the conversation by Bishop Matthew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.
The former president warned that insecurity has now spread to every part of the country, insisting that Nigeria must adopt a modern, comprehensive strategy to restore peace. Strengthening intelligence gathering, improving the training of security personnel, adequately equipping the armed forces, and integrating advanced technology, he said, are essential steps.
“When I talk about intelligence, training, equipment, and technology, I know exactly what I am saying,” Obasanjo noted. “Beyond all these, we must cultivate the right attitude—an honest commitment—to confront insecurity decisively.”
Obasanjo also cautioned the federal government against leaving any region behind in ongoing security operations, stressing that the scale of the problem demands both national unity and international cooperation.
He argued that the country’s security crisis has outgrown regional boundaries and should now be treated as a nationwide emergency. According to him, there is no shame in seeking global support if the government finds itself overstretched.
“We have security challenges across the South-East, South-West, and North-East. This is a national issue,” he said. “If our government is overwhelmed, there is nothing wrong with turning to the international community. We are part of a global family, and the world has a vested interest in our peace and stability.”
Obasanjo further expressed concern over the growing population of out-of-school children, warning that failure to address the problem could create long-term security risks for the country.
