Insecurity in Nigeria Now an “Industry,” Says Ex-President Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, especially the prolonged insurgency by Boko Haram, has effectively become an “industry,” as the nation continues to struggle without a definitive end in sight.
He spoke on Sunday during a session of the online “Toyin Falola Interviews,” which was live-streamed. Joining him on the panel were Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, and Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Obasanjo pointed out that the war against Boko Haram, and other insurgents, has persisted for nearly 15 years, outlasting even the country’s civil war, which lasted just 30 months. He noted that the extended conflict underscores systemic failures in how Nigeria approaches security.
According to him, defeating this menace requires much more than conventional military methods. He argued the armed forces need four critical components: specialized training, appropriate equipment, effective intelligence, and modern technology. He stressed that these elements must be combined, and handled by a proper defence-industrial framework, not ad hoc military procurement.