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The Digest:

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria’s insecurity as an “industry” and lamented that the fight against Boko Haram has lasted nearly 15 years, longer than the civil war. Rooted in the storm of prolonged conflict, he called for specialized training, intelligence, and technology to overcome insurgency.

Key Points
  • Obasanjo spoke during the “Toyin Falola Interviews” live stream with Bishop Matthew Kukah and Kingsley Moghalu.
  • He said Nigeria’s civil war lasted 30 months, while the Boko Haram conflict has spanned almost 15 years.
  • Obasanjo emphasized four keys: specialized training, proper equipment, intelligence, and technology.
  • He suggested learning from countries like Colombia that have successfully countered insurgency.
  • The former president questioned why the military is involved in procuring its own equipment.
  • He revealed that Boko Haram agreed to a 21-day ceasefire in 2011, but the government failed to engage.
  • Obasanjo warned of possible collusion between security personnel and insurgents.

As the years and the conflict deepen, Obasanjo’s sobering analysis frames insecurity not just as a crisis, but as a self-sustaining industry, where ending the war may require dismantling the very systems that prolong it.

Sources: Punch, The Cable