Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has lamented that despite trillions of naira and billions of dollars spent on security, terrorism continues to spread across Nigeria.
Obi made the comment in a social media post while reacting to a viral video from Kwara state in which suspected terrorists alleged that government officials supplied them with ammunition and logistics.
He said the allegation demands an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation, adding that the persistence of insecurity despite massive spending raises serious questions about accountability in government.
He cited a remark attributed to Sani Abacha, former military head of state, that “any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved”.
Obi also referenced former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who had questioned why Nigeria negotiates with terrorists despite possessing advanced security technology.
“Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying.
“Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that,” he added.
“Why are we negotiating with terrorists?” Obasanjo asked.
Obi said the government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive.
He said Nigeria built one of its most advanced police communication and tracking infrastructures between 2010 and 2015.
Obi questioned why such equipment is no longer being deployed to trace terrorists and rescue abducted victims.
He cited the recent St Mary’s Catholic School attack, where about 100 children were released without any reported arrest of the perpetrators.
Obi said there has been no clear update on more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity, noting that the persistent insecurity on such a scale points either to complicity or failure of leadership.
“No society should accept either,” Obi said.
He said a government that truly prioritises human life does not tolerate insecurity but eliminates it, stressing that Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity who can end insecurity and fulfil the constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.