13,500 Terrorists Killed In 2 Years — NSA Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised across Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit held on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Ribadu said the figure represents the cumulative impact of intensified military operations across conflict zones.

“Our troops have neutralised 13,543 terrorists. We have also recovered and destroyed 252,596 rounds of assorted ammunition,” he disclosed.

Ribadu also reported that at least 124,408 individuals — made up of former fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with their family members — have surrendered to Nigerian authorities since the beginning of the current administration two years ago.

“These individuals are not just surrendering,” he explained. “They are undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation process through our de-radicalisation and reintegration programme.”

The NSA attributed the growing success in the fight against terrorism to improved inter-agency coordination, increased investment in intelligence gathering, and the strong political will demonstrated by President Tinubu and the APC-led government.

He maintained that national security remains a top priority and that the government is determined to restore peace and stability to all parts of the country.

“We have made significant progress,” Ribadu said. “This is not by accident. It is the outcome of deliberate strategies, committed leadership, and the sacrifice of our security forces.”

The APC National Policy and Development Summit, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” provided a platform for government officials and party leaders to showcase achievements under the Tinubu administration and outline future goals across key sectors, including national security.