Nigeria has again come under scrutiny following its ranking among the world’s most terrorised countries in the latest Global Terrorism Index, with former presidential candidate Peter Obi describing the development as a troubling reflection of leadership failure.
Reacting to the report, Obi said the country’s position highlights a dangerous trend, noting that Nigeria is witnessing one of the sharpest rises in terrorism-related deaths globally. According to him, the situation is particularly alarming at a time when several other nations are making measurable progress in curbing violent extremism.
“The latest Global Terrorism Index report ranks Nigeria among the most terrorized nations in the world, showing one of the highest increases in deaths from terrorism. This is a painful indictment of failed leadership,” he stated.
Obi attributed the worsening security crisis to systemic governance issues, arguing that poor prioritisation, weak institutions, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have undermined efforts to secure the country.
“While many countries are seeing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction. This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty,” he added.
Nigeria has battled multiple security threats over the years, ranging from the long-running Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to the emergence of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as widespread kidnappings and banditry across several regions.
Obi warned that the human cost of these crises continues to rise, with citizens bearing the brunt of violence while those in authority fail to act decisively.
“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast,” he said.
Questioning the essence of governance, Obi stressed that protecting lives should remain the foremost responsibility of any government.
“What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?” he queried.
He called for urgent and decisive action to reverse the trend, insisting that the country must shift from rhetoric to results.
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress,” he said.
Obi maintained that every Nigerian deserves to live in safety, urging leaders at all levels to prioritise security and restore public confidence.
“A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered,” he concluded, reiterating his message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”