Obasanjo Warns Rising Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Stability
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, warning that the growing wave of violence poses a serious risk to national stability and governance.
He noted that the surge in kidnappings, armed attacks, and violent crime reflects a troubling breakdown in the country’s security framework. According to him, the ability of any government to protect lives and property remains the ultimate measure of its legitimacy.
Obasanjo cautioned that Nigerians are gradually becoming desensitized to violence, as incidents that should provoke outrage are now increasingly seen as routine. He described this normalization of fear as a dangerous trend with far-reaching implications for national unity and effective governance.
Highlighting the root causes, he pointed to long-standing structural issues, including weak governance, poor control of arms proliferation after past conflicts, and the politicization of armed groups. He also linked the current security challenges to the spread of extremist movements and the influx of fighters returning from regional conflicts.
The former president further emphasized the risks posed by Nigeria’s large population of out-of-school children, warning that without urgent intervention, many could become vulnerable to recruitment into criminal or violent networks.
Despite the challenges, Obasanjo maintained that Nigeria can still reverse the trend if leaders prioritize security, strengthen institutions, and commit to long-term strategies that promote stability and inclusive governance.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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