Obasanjo’s Proposal
At a public gathering in Jos during the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, former President Olusegun Obasanjo argued that Nigerians have the right to seek international assistance
if the government fails to protect citizens from widespread insecurity. He emphasized that modern tools — like satellites and drones — are now available to monitor and neutralize criminals, and urged the government to deploy them decisively. He expressed disappointment over mass abductions and killings across the country, calling for an end to negotiations with armed groups and for foreign help if domestic security efforts continue to fall short.
Obasanjo said: “We are part of the world community. 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.”
He argued that it is irresponsible for the government to apologize or negotiate with terrorists, stating that protection of Nigerian lives should be prioritised above all.
Presidency’s Response — “No Outsourcing Nigeria’s Security”
The Presidency responded swiftly and strongly. In a public statement carried by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the government rejected calls for foreign intervention as “not statesmanship; it is capitulation.”
The Presidency argued that suggesting Nigeria “subcontract” its internal security to foreign governments undermines national sovereignty and amounts to surrendering to terror — a stance it described as “hypocritical and ignoble.”
It maintained that Nigeria has capacity — with both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies — to fight terrorism and banditry. The government assured citizens that ongoing efforts under President Tinubu remain focused on ending terrorism without outsourcing responsibility.
The Presidency pointed to history, referencing that extremist organisations such as Boko Haram began to gather strength during Obasanjo’s own tenure, arguing that foreign help was not sought then — implying that the call for international intervention today is inconsistent with past practices.
Broader Context — Why the Debate Matters
Nigeria has recently seen a surge in insecurity: abductions, mass kidnappings, and violent attacks have escalated across several states.
For many citizens — especially those directly affected by violence — Obasanjo’s call for foreign help resonates as a potential way to bring swift relief and international capacity into Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Others, including the government, warn that outsourcing security undermines national sovereignty and may create dependence rather than a sustainable, homegrown solution.
The disagreement underscores a deeper tension: balancing urgency for security and protection of lives with long-term concerns about national pride, sovereignty, and institutional capacity.
What’s Next — What to Watch
- Whether the Presidency will stick to its stance and continue rejecting foreign involvement despite rising pressure from parts of the public and civil society.
- Whether private citizens, states, or alternative security stakeholders will push for foreign cooperation regardless, especially in areas most affected by banditry and insurgency.
- Whether government promises of intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations will yield visible improvements in security — and if confidence can be restored among Nigerians traumatized by recent violence.
References
- “Presidency to Obasanjo: Nigeria will not outsource its security” — BusinessDay NG. Businessday NG
- “Presidency to Obasanjo: Terrorism took root on your watch” — Vanguard News. Vanguard News
- “Boko Haram began under your watch, Tinubu’s aide fires Obasanjo” — P.M. News. PM News Nigeria
- “Insecurity: Nigerians Have Right To Seek Foreign Assistance — Obasanjo” — Channels Television. Channels Television
- “Obasanjo to FG: Stop negotiating with terrorists — Nigerians right to seek foreign help” — TheCable. the
