Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s approach to tackling insecurity, arguing that the federal government’s response remains reactive rather than strategic amid worsening security challenges across the country.
Obi’s remarks followed President Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of approximately 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State after a series of school abductions and violent attacks in the state. In a statement titled “What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic Not Reactive Approach,” Obi described the move as a short-term response that fails to address the deeper causes of insecurity.
The former Anambra State governor argued that the government should adopt a broader security framework that addresses root causes of violence, strengthens institutions, improves intelligence gathering, and enhances coordination among security agencies. He maintained that insecurity cannot be effectively resolved through isolated measures implemented after major incidents have already occurred.
Obi further linked the security crisis to what he described as leadership failures, contending that governance decisions should focus on long-term planning rather than emergency responses to unfolding events. According to him, Nigeria requires a comprehensive security ecosystem capable of preventing attacks and protecting vulnerable communities.
The criticism comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, and communal violence. Recent attacks in Oyo State, where armed men abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers, have heightened concerns about the spread of kidnapping networks beyond traditional hotspots in northern Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s administration has pledged to improve security through increased recruitment, enhanced training, and better equipment for security personnel. However, recent incidents have intensified public scrutiny of the government’s efforts, with security expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi has repeatedly identified insecurity as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, calling for urgent reforms to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of citizens across the country.
