Amanze Chinonye
The Presidency has issued a strongly worded response to recent comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a number of past presidential contenders, accusing them of attempting to portray the Tinubu administration as incapable of protecting Nigerians.
In a statement on Sunday, senior government sources described the criticisms as “ignoble” and “hypocritical,” insisting that those now questioning the country’s security strategy failed to act when terrorist threats first emerged under their watch.
According to the statement, Nigeria is currently confronted by a complex network of violent groups from ISIS-linked and al-Qaeda-aligned cells in the Sahel to local extremist factions often labelled as bandits all of whom share logistics, weapons, ideology, and the singular goal of undermining the Nigerian state.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernment officials argued that the roots of today’s insurgency were planted during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency, when Boko Haram was allowed to consolidate its ideological base and expand its recruitment structures. What could have been contained early, they said, eventually evolved into a full-scale insurgency and a regional jihadist franchise.
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The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu is confronting terrorism “in full-spectrum form,” combining kinetic military pressure with non-kinetic programmes aimed at restoring governance, stabilising vulnerable communities, and countering radicalisation.
Officials highlighted ongoing military modernisation, intelligence-led operations, renewed territorial control efforts, and initiatives to win back communities exploited by extremist groups. They added that Tinubu’s strategy draws on a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach designed to eliminate the conditions that allow terrorists to thrive.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s willingness to cooperate with international partners including the United States and allied nations the government stressed that the country would not “outsource its internal security” or “raise a white flag because someone who once had the chance lost his nerve.”
The statement warned that comments by former leaders disparaging Nigeria’s capacity only embolden terrorist elements and weaken national morale. It urged Obasanjo to acknowledge past failures and support current efforts rather than “undermine an administration fully engaged on multiple fronts security, economic reform, and infrastructure renewal.”
The Presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to securing every part of the country, insisting that the government will not be distracted by what it called “selective amnesia packaged as statesmanship.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo sparked a fresh round of political debate last week after publicly criticizing the Tinubu administration’s handling of national security. In his remarks, Obasanjo suggested that Nigeria might need to seek broader international involvement to address rising terrorist activity, arguing that the country’s security architecture is overstretched.
The comments drew swift reactions across the political space, with some of Obasanjo’s allies defending his position while others accused the former leader of overstating Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
President Tinubu has faced sustained pressure as terrorist attacks, banditry, and cross-border incursions continue in several regions, particularly the North-West and North-East.
Although the administration has outlined new counterterrorism strategies and launched joint operations involving the military, police, and intelligence services, public concern over insecurity has remained high.
Obasanjo’s remarks come against the backdrop of long-standing debates about the origins and evolution of Nigeria’s insurgency. Boko Haram emerged during his civilian presidency (1999-2007) and later grew into a full-blown regional terrorism threat, prompting political opponents to argue that subsequent administrations inherited an unstable foundation.
The renewed clash between both camps adds another layer to Nigeria’s ongoing national security conversation, especially as the government intensifies efforts to modernise its defence posture and strengthen international partnerships.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
