The retired army general said this when he received a delegation led by the former secretary to the government of the federation during his regime, Olu Falae, at his hilltop country home Minna, the Niger state capital.

Babangida told his visitors that it was difficult for most people to appreciate the importance of security until they are victims of either kidnapping or armed robbery.

The former military president advised politicians to always learn to play by the rules and avoid politics of bitterness and hatred particularly as the 2019 general elections draw closer

For members of the delegation, security remains the most important requirement in a modern state and Nigeria cannot be left out.

They appealed to both the electorate and political actors to see the 2019 general election as an opportunity to redefine Nigeria to enable her take her rightful place in the comity of nations.