Ex-Anambra governor questions fairness, coordination, and impact as insecurity spreads across multiple states

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu’s reported approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, describing the move as reactive and lacking strategic depth.

Obi acknowledged the importance of boosting security personnel but argued that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity cannot be solved through isolated decisions. He called for a coordinated, nationwide security framework that addresses the root causes of violence and instability.

Highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis, Obi listed states such as Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, Sokoto, and Oyo as areas currently grappling with serious security threats. He questioned whether the federal government intends to extend similar approvals to all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, replicating the Oyo model nationwide would mean recruiting about 37,000 forest guards, raising concerns about consistency, funding, and long-term planning. He also questioned the criteria behind the decision, asking whether such approvals are based on clear policy or discretionary choices.

Obi further raised concerns about the potential overlap with existing regional security outfits like the Amotekun Corps, which already operates in Oyo and across the South-West.

The former governor linked Nigeria’s insecurity to broader governance failures, including weak national cohesion, rising unemployment, poor industrialisation, and underutilisation of key sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, sports, and oil and gas.

He stressed that tackling insecurity requires what he described as an “ecosystem approach”—one that combines effective leadership, job creation, poverty reduction, youth engagement, and improved coordination among security agencies.