Insecurity Is an Industry in Nigeria – Obasanjo Blasts.
Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, has criticized Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis, asserting that the fight against Boko Haram and insurgency has dragged on so long that it has effectively become “an industry” supported by beneficiaries both inside and outside the government.
During the live-streamed Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, Obasanjo lamented that the 15-year-long Boko Haram conflict has now exceeded the 30-month Nigerian Civil War in duration, despite the country’s significant spending on defense and counter-terrorism efforts.
The session included Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese and former CBN Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu, who also participated in the discussion about Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria’s leadership has repeatedly failed to employ a precise combination of modern counterinsurgency tools—training, intelligence, technology, and specialized equipment—arguing that traditional military methods are ineffective against a fragmented, hidden terrorist network.
“The military is trained for conventional war. If the people you are dealing with are fleeing targets or living among your people, you will need different types of training,” Obasanjo stated.
Among the countries that have succeeded in that approach is Colombia. Should we invite them? There is no shame in that.”
The former Head of State, who suppressed Niger Delta militancy during his tenure, made a shocking revelation, suggesting there are cases of collaboration and internal sabotage within Nigeria’s security apparatus.
“The whole thing is an industry. It is an industry,” he declared. “Then you ask the military to be the ones buying equipment. It is not done. There is training, equipment, intelligence, and technology. These four must work together.”
Obasanjo warned that Nigeria cannot defeat terrorism if foreign partners do not trust Lagos and Abuja with vital intelligence due to ongoing leaks, compromised officers, and infiltration of military structures.
Recalling his backchannel intervention in 2011, Obasanjo revealed that Boko Haram initially rejected negotiations with the Nigerian government but later agreed to a 21-day ceasefire—a diplomatic opportunity that Nigerian authorities failed to capitalize on.
“They agreed to 21 days of ceasefire to negotiate. Government failed to reach out,” he said.
Since 2009, Nigeria has spent trillions of naira on counterterrorism efforts. Yet, banditry, mass abductions, and insurgent attacks persist across the North-West and North-East, while rural communities remain under ransom-driven terror.
