Abuja: The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has highlighted the firm efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing the pressing security challenges inherited by the government. This was articulated during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course in Abuja, where Ribadu delivered a lecture titled ‘Veterans as Significant National Assets’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ribadu explained that Nigeria faced a critical juncture in 2022, with multiple crises threatening its unity and stability. The challenges spanned insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, issues in the Niger Delta, and separatist tensions in the South-East. Ribadu emphasized the administration’s progress in restoring security and rebuilding national confidence since taking office in May 2023. The counterinsurgency efforts have resulted in neutralizing over 13,500 terrorists, with significant surrenders from Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families.
Ribadu noted improvements in the North-West, with over 11,250 hostages rescued and notorious warlords neutralized. The non-kinetic strategy, including Operation Safe Corridor Northwest, has seen the surrender of 35 armed leaders. In the Niger Delta, the government has increased oil production from one million to 1.8 million barrels per day, dismantled illegal refineries, and resumed oil production in Ogoniland.
In the South-East, surgical operations and community engagement have brought relative calm, with reduced separatist activities and restored social and economic life. Modern threats such as cyber defence and financial intelligence are also being tackled, with disruptions to illegal financial flows and the establishment of a National Digital Forensics Laboratory to enhance cyber resilience.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and representatives of service chiefs.