NSA Ribadu: Tinubu's Administration "Rescued Nigeria from Dangerous Crossroads"
Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has delivered a resounding assessment of President Bola Tinubu's government, asserting that the administration has successfully "rescued Nigeria from a dangerous crossroads." According to Ribadu, the nation was teetering on the brink of multiple crises when the current government took office, but bold strides have since been made in restoring stability and confidence.
Speaking in Abuja at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy's 18 Regular Course, the NSA painted a stark picture of Nigeria in 2022, beleaguered by widespread insecurity – from insurgencies in the North East to rampant banditry in the North West, turbulence in the Niger Delta, and escalating separatist tensions in the South East.
Key Gains in Security Operations
Ribadu highlighted significant achievements in counterinsurgency efforts, presenting compelling figures to underscore his claims:
Terrorist Neutralization: Over 13,500 terrorists and criminals have been neutralized.
Mass Surrender: More than 124,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, have surrendered.
The NSA elaborated on the tangible improvements across various regions:
North East: Areas once under insurgent control, including the notorious Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Basin, and Timbuktu Triangle, are now reportedly back under government authority, with substantial caches of weapons and ammunition recovered.
North West: This region, previously a hotbed of banditry, is witnessing positive changes. Ribadu revealed that over 11,250 hostages have been rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna States alone. He also pointed to the success of non-kinetic approaches, such as "Operation Safe Corridor Northwest," which has led to the "unimaginable" surrender of 35 armed leaders.
Niger Delta: Ribadu affirmed that the government has "reclaimed control of the nation's lifeblood." Crude oil theft and sabotage have been significantly curtailed, resulting in an increase in oil production from a historic low of one million barrels per day to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day. All major pipelines are now reported to be operational and protected, and over 1,900 illegal refineries have been dismantled. Remarkably, oil exploration is said to be resuming in Ogoniland for the first time in three decades.
South East: Through a combination of "surgical operations and community engagement," the South East is experiencing relative calm. Ribadu stated that "sit-at-home" orders enforced by separatist agitators have dramatically waned, with many key figures facing justice, allowing social and economic life to normalize.
Engaging Veterans and Tackling Modern Threats
The NSA also strongly advocated for the active involvement of military veterans in the ongoing fight against insecurity, emphasizing the invaluable experience and knowledge they bring. He further stressed Nigeria's progress in addressing modern threats, including robust cyber defense strategies and efforts to disrupt illegal financial flows supporting terrorism and separatism, particularly those facilitated through crypto platforms.
Ribadu's comprehensive assessment reinforces the Tinubu administration's narrative of substantial progress in navigating Nigeria's complex security landscape since May 2023.
