NSA Nuhu Ribadu Reassures Nigerians: Insecurity Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (NSA) aimed at restoring hope and confidence among Nigerians, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has delivered a reassuring update: the era of insecurity in Nigeria will soon be over. Ribadu commended the bravery and commitment of the country’s security agencies, whose tireless efforts and sacrifices are making significant strides in restoring peace across Nigeria. He praised their dedication, emphasizing that these efforts are yielding results and aligning with the federal government’s overarching agenda to end insecurity.
“The federal government is working around the clock to end insecurity, and it is only a matter of time before the entire country is secured.” Mr. Ribadu words come as a beacon of hope in a time of lingering security concerns, particularly in regions such as the North-East, North-West, and South, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Nigerians have lived with the daily challenges posed by various forms of violence and criminal activities.
Over the past decade, Nigeria has faced one of its most challenging periods in terms of national security. In the North-East, the Boko Haram insurgency has destabilized communities, spreading terror and destruction across the region. This threat has persisted despite multiple military operations, displacing millions and devastating local economies.
In the North-West, bandits and kidnappers have also posed significant security concerns, targeting innocent civilians and causing widespread fear. Communities across states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina have been particularly affected, with citizens facing daily risks of violence and extortion. Meanwhile, the southern regions have seen an increase in targeted attacks on security personnel, adding to the burden of law enforcement and making it difficult for security agencies to operate effectively.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has not been spared. Criminal activities in the nation’s capital have fueled public anxiety, as attacks have often gone unchecked, leaving citizens fearful and raising concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s government seat.
Ribadu’s tenure as NSA has brought new momentum to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, and he has consistently shown his dedication to addressing these security challenges with a multi-dimensional approach. His strategy emphasizes three major pillars: Ribadu has focused on fortifying Nigeria’s security architecture, ensuring that agencies have the resources, training, and equipment needed to combat sophisticated threats. His commitment to reinforcing these institutions is seen in his efforts to increase coordination among security agencies, enabling them to work cohesively in the face of national security threats.
He also recognizing that some security challenges are transnational, Ribadu has prioritized building partnerships with neighboring countries and international organizations. These alliances play a crucial role in controlling borders, monitoring illicit arms flows, and cracking down on the movement of insurgents and bandits. Ribadu’s leadership has brought renewed energy to these international ties, which are essential for a holistic approach to Nigerian security.
Police Reform Program in Partnership with UNDP and Germany: In a landmark move, the Office of the NSA has entered a partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the German Embassy in Nigeria to roll out a comprehensive police reform program. This initiative aims to support the Special Presidential Committee on Police Reform by enhancing training, operational standards, and accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. By empowering the police, this reform is expected to improve the security environment nationwide, as better-trained and resourced police can play a more effective role in crime prevention and rapid response.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Strategic Communication
Ribadu has also underscored the significance of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and strategic communication. According to Ribadu, effective intelligence is a linchpin in preventing and countering security threats before they escalate. With intelligence-led operations, security agencies are better equipped to neutralize threats proactively, reducing the risk to communities. Ribadu’s focus on surveillance technology has enabled security agencies to monitor critical areas and respond swiftly to incidents, making a meaningful impact on security outcomes.
Moreover, Ribadu has initiated strategic communication campaigns to keep citizens informed and vigilant. His belief is that public awareness and timely information-sharing can serve as a deterrent to crime and foster cooperation between the community and law enforcement agencies.
A Renewed Hope for Nigeria
As Ribadu continues to implement these strategic policies, his resolve and commitment offer a renewed sense of hope for a safer Nigeria. The NSA’s approach not only addresses the root causes of insecurity but also establishes a sustainable framework to build resilience within communities. With Ribadu at the helm, Nigerians are optimistic that, through cooperation and dedication, the country will achieve the peace and security it so desperately needs.
In the words of NSA Ribadu, “The entire country will be secured.” With this assurance, Nigerians are encouraged to stand united, recognizing that the pathway to a peaceful and stable nation is closer than ever before.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has extended assurances to Nigerians that the end of insecurity is within reach, commending the tireless efforts and bravery of Nigerian security agencies in combatting the nation’s daunting security challenges. Ribadu affirmed that the security agencies’ sacrifices and relentless dedication have already led to visible improvements, bringing a renewed sense of hope across the country.
Aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda, Mr. Ribadu noted that security agencies are working “around the clock” with the goal of achieving a fully secure Nigeria. This collective mission is built on the vision that, with sustained and coordinated efforts, peace and stability are not only achievable but imminent.
The path to Ribadu’s reassurances has been paved with relentless challenges, particularly in regions like the North-East and North-West. In the North-East, Boko Haram insurgency had claimed a foothold, spreading terror and destruction, leaving families shattered and communities devastated. In the North-West, bandits and kidnappers threatened innocent civilians, extorting communities and placing livelihoods at constant risk. In these regions, Ribadu and his team have directed focused measures, including reinforced security operations and intelligence-driven strategies that have made significant impacts.
The situation in the South has also presented a unique set of difficulties. Here, security personnel themselves became frequent targets, leading to an environment fraught with obstacles for law enforcement. Even the Federal Capital Territory was not left untouched, with criminals brazenly committing violent acts. But under Ribadu’s guidance, security operations have become more resilient, with a strengthened sense of cooperation across federal, state, and local law enforcement units.
Ribadu’s Strategic Focus
At the helm of Nigeria’s security apparatus, Ribadu’s approach to tackling insecurity has been robust, multi-layered, and highly collaborative. Known for his unyielding courage and tenacity, Ribadu brings years of experience in tackling complex security issues, which has garnered him a reputation as a problem-solver and an architect of security reform.
Ribadu’s strategy involves a renewed focus on the empowerment of Nigeria’s security institutions, thereby equipping them to tackle threats more effectively. Additionally, he has prioritized enhancing regional and international cooperation, recognizing that security is a collective responsibility that extends beyond national borders. Through partnerships with neighboring countries and organizations, he has enabled a more cohesive strategy that cuts across regions, ensuring that criminals find no safe haven.
Furthermore, Ribadu’s administration is addressing the critical issue of illicit arms proliferation, which has fueled violence and armed conflict across Nigeria. Through stricter border controls, enhanced surveillance, and partnerships with international agencies, the NSA is working to limit the inflow of illegal arms, ultimately reducing the firepower available to criminals.
Partnership for Police Reform
In a major development, the Office of the NSA recently entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the German Embassy in Nigeria. This collaboration marks the beginning of a comprehensive police reform program aimed at strengthening the nation’s law enforcement capacity. The program will bolster the Special Presidential Committee on Police Reform, ensuring that Nigerian law enforcement is equipped with modern tools, training, and a renewed commitment to ethical standards.
The reform is expected to bring significant changes to police operations, creating a more effective force that can address the unique challenges facing Nigeria. It also reflects Ribadu’s commitment to addressing underlying structural issues within law enforcement, including the enhancement of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
Emphasis on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Communication
Ribadu has consistently emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and strategic communication as pillars in the fight against insecurity. Recognizing that combatting threats requires more than just physical force, he has invested in advanced intelligence capabilities that enable security agencies to anticipate and prevent security breaches.
The emphasis on surveillance technologies and information sharing is a critical part of Ribadu’s strategy to keep criminal elements at bay. By leveraging modern technology and maintaining open lines of communication among agencies, he has improved the ability to detect threats before they escalate. His strategic communication initiatives are also geared towards building trust with the public, urging citizens to collaborate with security agencies in reporting suspicious activities.
Nigerians are beginning to see tangible improvements in security. His vision, coupled with the dedication of Nigeria’s security agencies, is bringing about the needed transformation to restore peace and stability across the nation. The NSA’s comprehensive strategy, which blends local, regional, and international collaboration, underscores his belief that “it is only a matter of time before the entire country is secured.”
As Ribadu continues to lead, Nigerians are hopeful that his unwavering commitment will turn the tide against insecurity, bringing an end to years of instability and paving the way for a more peaceful, united Nigeria.
The detailed analysis of Nigeria’s security landscape under National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu underscores a critical shift toward a more balanced, multifaceted approach in addressing insecurity. Ribadu’s strategy incorporates both kinetic measures, such as military operations and border security, and non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, reconciliation, and socio-economic development initiatives. This dual approach aligns closely with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes the importance of community-based security, socio-economic solutions, and national unity.
Mr. Nuhu Ribadu achievements have included the reduction of organized terrorist activities, the freeing of abducted individuals without ransom payments, and restored safety on previously perilous routes like Abuja-Kaduna. The launching of operations like Hadarin Daji and Sahel Sanity, combined with joint task forces and bolstered intelligence capabilities, has strengthened Nigeria’s security forces’ effectiveness in neutralizing insurgent threats. Additionally, Ribadu’s international collaborations further enhance the sustainability of these efforts, supporting reforms in local law enforcement and encouraging socio-economic resilience.
The strategy reflects a strong recognition that achieving lasting stability requires both preventing conflicts at their roots and building resilience through economic growth and infrastructure development.
By, Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu Northern Bureau Chief, Democracy Newsline Newspaper. 08060017934
