Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a comprehensive, society-wide response to end the Boko Haram insurgency and rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd), Obasanjo described the 15-year insurgency as one of the most enduring security threats Nigeria has ever faced.
Reflecting on past conflicts — from pre-independence militancy to the civil war — he said Boko Haram’s rise stemmed from deep social frustrations rather than clear political or religious motives. “After the UN House attack in 2011, I found that they were not really aiming for anything political or religious — they were looking for a better life,” Obasanjo said.
He questioned whether Nigeria had truly understood the insurgency’s root causes or taken the right steps to address them, urging a proactive and collective approach.
Commending Irabor for documenting his experience, the former president said the book would help shape national dialogue on peace and security.
Obasanjo also warned against separating Boko Haram from banditry, noting that both have become intertwined. “Those who talk about Boko Haram don’t even know when Boko Haram stops and banditry starts. They are all mixed together. We must act collectively,” he added.
The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru, service chiefs, royal fathers, legislators, and members of the diplomatic corps.
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