Former Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has called for a broader approach to tackling insecurity, urging the government to combine dialogue with security operations in addressing terrorism and banditry.
According to a video published on the official Channels Television YouTube channel on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Ojudu said, “We need to listen to our people because even these terrorists and bandits are human beings, meaning there must be a way of talking to them, their leaders and their sponsors.”
He warned that worsening insecurity and declining leadership could push the country toward anarchy if urgent action is not taken. Ojudu also expressed concern over the state of governance and the judiciary, saying many Nigerians have become disillusioned.
The former presidential aide said previous administrations addressed regional unrest by engaging affected communities, understanding their grievances and offering developmental alternatives alongside security measures.
He advocated a “carrot and stick” approach, urging intelligence agencies to identify the financiers of criminal groups and address the root causes of insecurity. Ojudu also cautioned against relying on untrained regional militant groups for security, warning that such a move could fuel lawlessness and local conflicts.
