National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu has remained firm in surmounting the inherited intractable security challenges that threatened the nation’s unity and future.
He emphasised a shift in the national security architecture where veterans remain vital components.
Ribadu spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course held in Abuja on Friday night.
The NSA, in a lecture titled, “Veterans As Significant National Assets,” said Nigeria had stood at a dangerous crossroads in 2022, grappling with multiple crises that threatened its unity, stability and future.
He said the challenges ranged from the insurgency-ravaged North East to the blood-soaked valleys of the North West, from the turbulent Niger Delta to separatist tensions in the South East.
According to him, government has made bold strides in restoring security and rebuilding national confidence.
“When this administration took office in May 2023, Nigeria was facing five intractable security challenges. We have Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, deadly banditry across the North West and North Central, resurgent separatist violence in the South East, large-scale oil theft in the Niger Delta, and communal clashes that had claimed thousands of lives.
“Additionally, porous borders, transnational crime, and climate-induced resource conflicts created a near-perfect storm of instability.
“The government’s counterinsurgency campaign has led to over 13,500 terrorists and criminals neutralised, and more than 124,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered.
“Weapons caches and thousands of rounds of ammunition have been recovered.
“Areas once held by insurgents in the Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Basin, and Tumbuktu Triangle are now under government control,” he said.
The NSA said the North West, which had been ravaged by bandits, was witnessing changes, adding that over 11,250 hostages had been rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna states.
He added that notorious warlords such as Ali Kachalla, Halilu Sububu and Dogo Bwari had been neutralised, adding that more than 50 criminal leaders and dozens of deputies had been taken out of circulation.
According to him, non-kinetic strategy, including the innovative Operation Safe Corridor Northwest, has also led to the surrender of 35 armed leaders.
“This was once unimaginable, but through coordinated military pressure and community-based peace efforts, we are making real progress,” he said.
In the Niger Delta, Ribadu said the government had reclaimed control of the nation’s lifeblood in the region once plagued by massive crude oil theft and sabotage.
He said oil production had increased from a historic low of one million barrels per day to an average of 1.8 million, a major economic boost.
According to him, all major pipelines are now operational and protected, while over 1,900 illegal refineries have been dismantled.
“For the first time in three decades, oil production is resuming in Ogoniland.
“In the South East, through surgical operations and community engagement, the zone is seeing relative calm.
“The so-called “sit-at-home” orders by separatist agitators have significantly waned, and many arrested key figures are facing justice.
“Social and economic life is beginning to return to normal. Rebuilt police stations and renewed law enforcement presence are restoring confidence,” he added.
NSA said modern threats were also being addressed, adding that Nigeria had made headway in cyber defence and financial intelligence.
According to him, Illegal financial flows supporting terrorism and separatism—particularly through crypto platforms—have been disrupted.
He said a National Digital Forensics Laboratory and a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan had been deployed to boost national cyber resilience.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the National Security Adviser for honouring the invitation and pledged the support of the veterans towards the success of his tenure.
He said “We are doing our 100 percent to make sure that you succeed in this job. Because if you succeed, we as well will succeed. Because security corner stone of any society.Without security, there can’t be meaningful development.
“ As National Security Adviser, I know we meet quite constantly, personally, quietly with the service chiefs, so thank you for honoring our invitation to come personally,”.
Former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, recounted his days in the academy and the ensuing friendship that has lasted for decades.
He commended the president for reintroducing the old national anthem that aims to unite Nigerians despite diverse tongues and tribes
He said contrary to beliefs, he was never marginalised throughout his military career.
Ihejirika commended his successors for improving on the policies he introduced and advocated for new policy mandating singing of the new national anthem at primary and secondary schools and not just fanfare for occasions.
“So I think a policy should come to make it compulsory to be sung at the primary, secondary, and at the end of the year.
It’s a good occasion, even at community level, to remind us that we owe allegiance to this nation,”
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