National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, provided an optimistic assessment of the nation’s security landscape, reporting significant progress in addressing several critical challenges inherited by the current administration. He outlined these challenges as the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, armed banditry in the North-West, secessionist activities by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the South-East, unrest in the Niger Delta, and communal and farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central. Ribadu highlighted the government’s achievements in combating these threats, emphasizing the declining effectiveness of IPOB’s sit-at-home orders in the South-East, the substantial gains against Boko Haram in the North-East, and the weakening of banditry in the North-West. He asserted that through coordinated security operations, the administration has effectively curbed mass killings, kidnappings, and the widespread destruction caused by these criminal elements across the country.
A cornerstone of Ribadu’s presentation was the success achieved against Boko Haram. He detailed the neutralization of over 13,543 insurgents in the past two years, accompanied by the recovery and destruction of more than 11,000 weapons. These operational victories have contributed to a wave of surrenders, with over 124,408 Boko Haram fighters and their families laying down their arms since the inception of the current administration. Ribadu acknowledged that challenges remain and that military operations are ongoing in key insurgent strongholds, including the Timbuktu Triangle and Tumbu Islands. However, the scale of surrenders and the sustained pressure on Boko Haram indicate significant progress in dismantling the group’s capacity to sow terror.
In the South-East, Ribadu pointed to the waning influence of IPOB’s sit-at-home orders as a major achievement. These orders, often enforced through intimidation and violence, have disrupted economic activities and daily life in the region. The declining adherence to these directives suggests a shift in public sentiment and a growing confidence in the government’s ability to restore normalcy. This positive development is further reinforced by the capture or neutralization of key IPOB/ESN figures, the rebuilding of over 50 police stations and numerous police posts, and a significant reduction in attacks on security forces. Collectively, these factors point towards improved security and the gradual return of social and economic stability to the region.
The North-West, plagued by rampant banditry, has also witnessed a significant improvement in its security situation. Ribadu emphasized the administration’s success in freeing over 11,250 hostages held captive by bandit groups, a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing security operations. He also highlighted the decline in mass abductions, a particularly distressing feature of the banditry crisis. Furthermore, the targeting and neutralization of prominent bandit leaders, including figures like Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna, have dealt decisive blows to these criminal networks, disrupting their command structures and operational capabilities.
The overall tone of Ribadu’s presentation was one of measured optimism. While acknowledging the persistent nature of the security challenges facing the nation, he emphasized the significant strides made in combating these threats. The declining influence of IPOB in the South-East, the weakening of Boko Haram in the North-East, and the successes against banditry in the North-West represent substantial progress toward restoring peace and stability across the country. The recovery and destruction of weapons, the release of hostages, and the surrender of insurgents all contribute to a more secure environment and underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of these complex security issues.
Looking ahead, continued efforts to consolidate these gains are crucial. Sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal groups, coupled with initiatives to address underlying socio-economic factors that fuel these conflicts, will be essential for long-term peace and security. The rebuilding of infrastructure, the restoration of trust in government institutions, and the provision of economic opportunities are vital components of a comprehensive approach to securing lasting peace and stability in the affected regions. The progress reported by the NSA, while encouraging, represents an ongoing process, and sustained efforts are necessary to ensure that these positive trends continue and that the hard-won gains are not reversed.
