At the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18 Regular Course, held in Abuja on Friday evening, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu provided a thorough account of the current administration’s efforts to address the severe security challenges inherited by President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a lecture entitled “Veterans As Significant National Assets,” Ribadu painted a picture of Nigeria in 2022 as a nation at a critical juncture, beset by numerous security threats that endangered its cohesion and stability. He cited the insurgency in the North East, widespread banditry in the North West and North Central regions, separatist violence in the South East, and rampant oil theft in the Niger Delta as the primary challenges.
“When this administration took office in May 2023, Nigeria was facing five intractable security challenges,” Ribadu said. These included Boko Haram insurgency, deadly banditry, separatist violence, large-scale oil theft, and communal clashes with devastating loss of life.
He also pointed out the complicating factors of porous borders, transnational crimes, and conflicts driven by climate change, which compounded the country’s instability.
Ribadu highlighted the government’s counterinsurgency successes, noting that over 13,500 terrorists and criminals have been neutralized, and more than 124,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP militants and their families have surrendered. He added that weapons and ammunition stockpiles have been confiscated, and territories previously controlled by insurgents—such as Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Basin—are now under government control.
Turning to the North West, Ribadu reported substantial progress in combating banditry, with over 11,250 hostages rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna States. He named several notorious bandit leaders who have been neutralized and stated that over 50 criminal leaders and their deputies have been removed from the security equation.
He also emphasized the success of Operation Safe Corridor Northwest, a non-kinetic approach that has led to the surrender of 35 armed group leaders, marking a significant breakthrough in the region’s security landscape.
In the Niger Delta, Ribadu revealed that oil production has rebounded from a low of one million barrels per day to approximately 1.8 million barrels daily. He noted the dismantling of nearly 2,000 illegal refineries and the restoration of major pipelines, including renewed production in Ogoniland after three decades.
Regarding the South East, Ribadu acknowledged that through focused military operations and community outreach, stability is gradually returning. The impact of separatist “sit-at-home” orders has diminished, with many leaders arrested and prosecuted. Police stations have been rebuilt, and law enforcement presence has been strengthened to restore public confidence.
Finally, Ribadu addressed Nigeria’s efforts to combat modern threats such as cybercrime and terrorism financing. He mentioned the disruption of illegal financial flows, especially those facilitated through cryptocurrency platforms, and the deployment of a National Digital Forensics Laboratory alongside a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan to enhance cybersecurity.
The event saw attendance from key national figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff.