By Ayomide Otitoju
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday called for a candid examination of Nigeria’s insurgency challenges, describing Boko Haram as one of the country’s longest-running security threats, spanning over 15 years and four administrations.
Speaking at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by retired Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, Obasanjo, who also wrote the book’s foreword, argued that failure to address the roots of insurgency has allowed terrorism to persist.
Recalling his 2011 visit to Boko Haram members following the Abuja UN building attack, he said many were “simply looking for a better life,” rather than pursuing political or religious objectives.
Obasanjo highlighted the growing overlap between Boko Haram and banditry, warning against treating them as separate threats. “Those who have things to say about Boko Haram do not even know when Boko Haram stops and banditry starts. They are all mixed together. We must begin to do something about it, and we must do it collectively,” he said.
He urged leaders to confront Nigeria’s history of conflict, from pre-independence crises to the civil war, as a basis for long-term solutions. “The life of any nation has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important is for us to confront our challenges honestly, look at our past and present, and when it is time to proffer solutions, we must look beyond the ordinary,” Obasanjo added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru, service chiefs, royal fathers, senior military officers, lawmakers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Obasanjo praised Irabor for documenting his experiences, describing the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s ongoing pursuit of peace and security.
