Connect with us

News

Obasanjo Unveils Bold Blueprint for Africa’s Security Overhaul, Warns Against New Scramble

Published

on

Obasanjo Unveils Bold Blueprint for Africa’s Security Overhaul, Warns Against New Scramble

By: Michael Mike

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a sweeping and urgent call for a radical overhaul of Africa’s security architecture, warning that the continent risks deeper instability and renewed external domination unless it urgently redefines its approach to security, governance, and intelligence.

Speaking at the third Mashariki Cooperation Conference III (MCC III), Obasanjo challenged Africa’s intelligence chiefs and security leaders to abandon outdated frameworks and embrace a people-focused, technologically independent, and accountable system capable of confronting modern threats.

Delivering a hard-hitting address on “Emerging Geopolitical Dynamics and Africa’s Security Architecture,” the elder statesman argued that Africa’s persistent conflicts are not accidental but stem from “specific, identifiable failures of leadership,” compounded by what he described as intensifying external manipulation.

“We are witnessing the fracturing of the post-1945 multilateral order,” Obasanjo said, pointing to the global fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and contrasting international responses to crises in regions such as Gaza and the Sahel. According to him, these inconsistencies expose a global system that applies its rules selectively—often at Africa’s expense.

A Continent Under Pressure

Obasanjo painted a stark picture of a continent caught in a renewed geopolitical contest, warning of a “new scramble for Africa.” He cited expanding foreign influence through initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the growing footprint of Russian-linked security actors across the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, and the vacuum left by the withdrawal of Western forces from key conflict zones.

These developments, he said, have coincided with a surge in terrorism, violent extremism, and an alarming wave of military takeovers across the continent since 2020—what he described as a “coup epidemic.”

Five Pillars for a New Security Order

In response, Obasanjo outlined five concrete propositions aimed at reshaping Africa’s security framework:
• Human-centred security: Prioritising the safety and welfare of citizens over elite interests.
• Continental solidarity: Strengthening joint mechanisms such as the African Standby Force and early warning systems.
• Disrupting illicit financing: Empowering intelligence agencies to tackle financial flows that sustain insecurity.
• Technological sovereignty: Building African capacity in artificial intelligence, cyber defence, and drone warfare.
• Accountable governance: Establishing transparent leadership as the foundation of lasting security.

He stressed that without credible governance, no military or intelligence strategy can succeed.

Intelligence at the Core

Central to Obasanjo’s message was a forceful critique of Africa’s use of intelligence. He described intelligence as “indispensable to conflict prevention” but “woefully underused,” citing missed warning signs in past crises across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.

He urged the creation of a truly integrated continental intelligence network, beginning with stronger regional cooperation, and insisted that effectiveness must be anchored in professionalism and civilian oversight.

“Intelligence services that operate with integrity… and are subordinate to civilian authority are not weaker—they are stronger,” he declared.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

In a rare moment of reflection, Obasanjo drew from his own involvement in major African peace efforts, including Nigeria-led interventions under ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and mediation roles in Burundi and Zimbabwe. He argued that successful conflict resolution has always depended on “accurate intelligence, courageous honesty, and selfless leadership.”

He also introduced his “Obasanjo 55+20 Leadership Framework,” a structured model outlining 55 measurable leadership attributes and 20 core values. At its heart, he said, lies “courageous honesty”—the willingness of leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.

A Final Warning

Addressing an audience that included Noordin Mohamed Haji and intelligence heads from across Africa, Obasanjo closed with a stark warning and a challenge.

At nearly 90, he said his decades of experience have shown both Africa’s promise and its recurring failures.

“Africa’s conflicts are not inevitable,” he said. “They are the product of leadership choices. What is required now is the will—and the courage and audacity—to choose differently.”

His message was unmistakable: without decisive reforms, Africa risks remaining a battleground for external powers; with them, it has a chance to secure its future on its own terms.

Obasanjo Unveils Bold Blueprint for Africa’s Security Overhaul, Warns Against New Scramble

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

Published

on

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

Continue Reading

News

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

Published

on

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

Continue Reading

News

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

Published

on

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights