Obasanjo urges FG to stop apologising, negotiating with terrorists
Story by Okafor Vivian
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Federal Government to halt the practice of apologising to and negotiating with terrorists, insisting that the Nigerian state must confront insecurity with firmness and modern technology.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Friday in Jos during the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, where he expressed concern over the worsening spate of kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country.
According to him, no nation can secure its citizens by continuously engaging terrorists in negotiations, stressing that such actions embolden criminal groups and weaken public confidence in government.
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He urged the administration to deploy advanced intelligence tools, including drones and satellite surveillance, to locate and neutralise terrorist camps, noting that Nigeria has the capacity to mount an effective response but must show the will to do so.
The former president added that Nigerians reserve the right to seek international assistance if the government fails in its duty to protect lives and property, saying security must remain the state’s top priority.
Obasanjo lamented that successive administrations have treated security issues with softness rather than decisive action, warning that the nation cannot afford to continue treading that path as criminal groups become more sophisticated.
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His remarks come amid nationwide outrage over recent mass abductions and killings in several states, with citizens and civil society groups demanding stronger counter-terrorism measures.
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