Insecurity: Nigerians Have the Right to Seek International Assistance if Government Fails – Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that citizens have the fundamental right to look beyond national borders for protection whenever they believe their safety is no longer guaranteed within the country. He made this remark on Friday while addressing the growing concerns surrounding insecurity across Nigeria.

Obasanjo emphasized that every Nigerian deserves to feel safe, and when security institutions fail to provide adequate protection, people are free to seek international support. According to him, personal safety is a basic human right that should not be compromised under any circumstance.

He further stressed that with advancements in modern technology, criminals can no longer hide easily. In his words, today’s digital systems allow law enforcement agencies to track offenders almost anywhere, making it extremely difficult for them to escape accountability. He encouraged the use of these technological tools to ensure justice, explaining that offenders can be traced and apprehended even when they attempt to flee.

The former president pointed out that technology has transformed security operations globally, and Nigeria must embrace these changes to strengthen its internal defense systems. He added that no criminal should be able to evade justice in a world where digital footprints, surveillance tools, communication monitoring, and international partnerships make tracking easier than ever before.

Obasanjo’s comments mirror the frustrations of Nigerians who continue to face threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and rising criminal activities. Many citizens feel that the inability of security agencies to curb these issues has created an atmosphere of fear, prompting discussions on alternative ways to protect themselves and their communities.

He reiterated that seeking help from international organizations, allied countries, or global security bodies should not be seen as disloyalty. Instead, it is a necessary step when citizens feel abandoned or unsupported. The ultimate priority, he noted, should be the protection of human lives.

Obasanjo concluded by urging the Nigerian government to strengthen coordination, improve intelligence gathering, and leverage global innovations to restore confidence in the nation’s security architecture. He insisted that no one should commit a crime and walk away freely, especially in an era where technology makes it possible to identify and capture criminals swiftly.