Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into allegations that government officials are supplying arms and logistics to terrorists, warning that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity reflects a deep crisis of accountability and leadership failure.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account titled “Insecurity and the Crisis of Accountability in Nigeria,” Obi reacted to a viral video from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security agencies allegedly confessed that they received ammunition and logistical support from government officials.
“Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials,” Obi wrote. “This allegation, now circulating widely, demands nothing less than an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation.”
He lamented that despite the huge financial resources committed to security over the years, insecurity has continued to spread across the country.
“Over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security. Yet insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner,” he said.
Obi referenced a widely quoted remark by late former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, to underline the gravity of the situation.
“This type of news fallout goes to give credence to the much-referenced quotation of late military leader General Sani Abacha that, ‘Any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved,’” he stated.
He also cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had questioned Nigeria’s apparent reluctance to deploy available technology to combat terrorism.
“Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country,” Obi quoted Obasanjo as saying. “Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?”
According to Obi, the persistence of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism is particularly troubling given that the government controls telecommunications infrastructure, intelligence systems and financial tracking mechanisms.
“The government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and even financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive. This reality raises serious questions for those in power,” he said.
He recalled that between 2010 and 2015, Nigeria invested heavily in advanced police communication and tracking infrastructure designed to monitor criminal movements and enhance rapid response.
“We must therefore begin to ask: Where are these pieces of equipment, and why are they not being used? Why do terrorists’ confessions so often implicate government officials?” Obi queried.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the handling of recent school abductions, noting that while the release of some victims was celebrated, many others remain in captivity without clear government updates.
“In cases such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School attack, about 100 children were released just days ago, and government officials celebrated. Yet no terrorist was arrested, no punishment announced, and, to this day, no clear update has been given on the more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity,” he said.
He questioned why existing security equipment has not been deployed to rescue the remaining abductees.
“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either,” Obi warned.
He concluded by stressing that the primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property, calling for competent and transparent leadership.
“A government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it eliminates it. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property,” Obi said. “Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity — leaders who will end this insecurity once and for all.”
