The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that the government has access to technology capable of tracking individuals but has failed to deploy it effectively against criminals.
Obi made the submission on Thursday during an exclusive interview with ARISE News, while responding to questions on how his administration would tackle kidnapping, ransom payments and other security challenges.
According to the former Anambra State governor, technological advancements have made it possible for governments to determine the location of individuals, raising questions over why such capabilities have not been effectively deployed to track criminals and prevent attacks.
“In today’s world, you can know where people are,” Obi said.
He further questioned the deployment of government surveillance equipment, arguing that resources allegedly being used to monitor political opponents should instead be redirected towards combating criminal activities.
“Today, the government knows where I am. All those equipment they’re using to focus on opponents, should we focus on criminals?” he asked.
Obi said that if elected president, he would not expend government resources pursuing political opponents but would concentrate on tackling insecurity and protecting Nigerians.
“I’m not going to follow any opponents. I don’t care where they are. I don’t care what they do. It’s not my business. I’m going to focus it where it is,” he said.
He expressed concern that kidnappings continue to occur despite advances in technology, suggesting that something was fundamentally wrong with the country’s security response.
“I don’t know who, but there’s something wrong. Not in today’s world. Because we’re serious. It’s happening to everybody. It’s happening every day. So, there’s something wrong,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate maintained that the government must make more effective use of available technology, intelligence and security resources to track criminals, prevent kidnappings and provide greater protection for Nigerians.
