By Abdul Lauya
At an interactive security forum held Tuesday at Arewa House, Kaduna, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, outlined progress made in tackling insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ribadu, speaking first, painted a grim picture of the security challenges inherited by the current government, stating that for over two decades, Nigeria had been battling waves of unrest, from Niger Delta militancy and Boko Haram insurgency to banditry and separatist agitations by groups like IPOB.
“Before we came in, bandits were in control in North-Central and other parts of the North, killing innocent people on a daily basis, burning villages and communities,” Ribadu said. “We have traced, identified, and dealt with them.”
He claimed that since May 29, 2023, high-profile attacks and mass killings have significantly reduced. According to the NSA, oil production has also surged in the Niger Delta from one million barrels per day to over 1.9 million, due to improved security in the region.
“We have stopped those that wanted to divide the country,” Ribadu added. “Kaduna now is about 80 percent free; no more bandits. We are carrying out operations in Kwara and other states. All security apparati in the country work as a team.”
He credited President Tinubu’s directive for joint operations across security agencies and closer cooperation with state governors, stating that many previously terrorized communities are now enjoying relief.
CDS General Musa, in his remarks, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national stability. “We will go after any enemy of the state and continue to do that until there is tranquillity and peace in Nigeria,” he said.
Musa emphasized that community collaboration, professionalism, and public engagement were central to ongoing operations.
“Security is also about relationships. We cannot be everywhere, so we work with the people. There is also the need to fully engage our youths to keep them from crime,” he noted.
He acknowledged the Nigerian Air Force and other agencies for their role in stabilizing the country, while promising sustained pressure on criminal elements across the country.
