Nigeria Has Lost Capacity To End Killings – Ex-Diplomat Keshi

Former Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has faulted the Federal Government, accusing it of lacking the will and capacity to end the widespread killings and religiously motivated attacks ravaging communities across the nation.

Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government’s failure to act decisively has continued to damage Nigeria’s credibility before the international community.

Keshi expressed concern over renewed calls by some international groups urging the United States to return Nigeria to its list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for alleged persecution of Christians, saying the development was a reflection of the government’s inaction.

“I sincerely share Bishop Kukah’s concern. The truth is that Christians are being killed, and the government has not shown the capacity to deal with it,” he said.

Citing past incidents like the 2022 murder of Deborah Samuel, Keshi lamented that suspects are rarely prosecuted despite public assurances.

“The president had asked the Inspector-General of Police why no one was arrested. The IGP later announced 26 arrests, but till today nobody knows what happened to them,” he said.

The retired envoy, who once served as Nigeria’s Consul-General in Atlanta, recalled that diplomatic efforts helped Nigeria avoid the same blacklisting in 2009. But now, the situation has worsened due to Nigeria’s weak diplomatic presence.

“Back then, I personally met the US group that made the recommendation, and after further engagements, Nigeria was removed from the list.

“But now, we don’t even have an ambassador in Washington to counter such reports. Our diplomatic structures are too weak. If we consider ourselves a leader in Africa, we must act like one,” he explained.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen its foreign policy apparatus and reassert its influence abroad.

“During Obasanjo’s era, we had friends who could open doors for us in Washington or the White House almost instantly. I’m not sure we have that reach anymore,” he added.

Keshi also criticised the military for failing to stop the wave of killings and banditry despite receiving substantial funding.

“We’ve never found the sponsors or suppliers of these criminals. Every time, the military says it killed hundreds of bandits, yet insecurity persists. So how many bandits are there?

“If it requires declaring war on bandits and clearing them out within three months, so be it. The military is well-paid and equipped. Can they not commit to ending insecurity by next year?” he asked.

He further warned that unless Nigeria takes full responsibility for its internal security, the country will continue to face external pressure and international embarrassment.

“This should not even come up anymore. The leadership must act. We cannot keep explaining failure,” Keshi said.