Security Feud: Presidency Cites Obasanjo's Failure to Act on Early Boko Haram Cells

The Presidency strongly rebuffed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent suggestion that the country should seek assistance from foreign governments to stabilise its internal security challenges, labelling the proposal as "unbecoming" and historically misleading.

The Presidency’s position was conveyed through a statement on X (formerly Twitter) by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Communication.

Dare categorised Obasanjo’s suggestion as "ignoble, misleading, and unbecoming of a former leader who failed to act when terrorism first took root."

"President Tinubu would not outsource Nigeria’s internal security to any foreign nation," the statement read, adding that the country currently requires unity, not "public grandstanding."

The Presidency countered Obasanjo’s criticism by asserting that the "ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram emerged during the former President’s civilian administration," claiming extremist camps were "allowed to organise, recruit, and consolidate."

"It is a matter of historical fact that terrorism sprouted under his watch and grew because it was not stopped," the statement alleged.

"For someone who looked away as extremists built structures, recruited followers and expanded networks, to now issue lectures is not statesmanship — it is capitulation.”

The current administration maintains that its approach is a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy combining military (kinetic) pressure with non-kinetic interventions.

This includes modernising military capabilities, expanding intelligence-led operations, restoring governance in underserved regions, and promoting counter-radicalisation initiatives.

The Presidency acknowledged the necessity of international cooperation but drew a clear line against external command. "Nigeria needs support and collaboration, yes. But outsourcing national security is not an option. What is required is unity, not unnecessary posturing," the statement concluded.