Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has argued that former President Goodluck Jonathan should not bear sole responsibility for the Boko Haram insurgency that escalated during his administration.
Ahmad, who previously served as a media aide to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, said tackling insecurity is a collective responsibility that goes beyond government efforts alone.
In a post shared on his X account, he explained that he had always maintained the view that security challenges cannot be blamed entirely on any single administration, regardless of the period in which they occurred.
According to him, the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminal activity requires cooperation from all segments of society, including ordinary citizens.
Ahmad stressed that while government authorities are expected to provide leadership, funding and security infrastructure, communities also have an important role to play in protecting their environment.
He noted that traditional rulers, religious leaders, local communities and individual citizens must actively support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the country.
The former presidential aide added that security agencies can only be more effective when they receive timely and reliable information from members of the public.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and avoid providing shelter or support to criminal elements operating within their communities.
According to Ahmad, lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens and government institutions work together with a shared commitment to protecting lives and property.
He maintained that national security should not be viewed solely as the duty of the government, but as a collective responsibility that requires participation from everyone.
Ahmad concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, saying such partnerships are essential for building a safer and more secure Nigeria.