The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said that before the debut of the President Bola Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023, Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and other terrorists killed no fewer than 47,000 people in Nigeria.
He said this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit, which was held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, under the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far.”
Ribadu said Boko Haram insurgency accounted for over 35,000 people killed, according to estimates and various conflict monitoring sources, while banditry led to the killing of more than 12,000 individuals.
He said the security situation before May 29, 2023, was dire, threatening the Nigerian state’s cohesion, stability, and integrity.
The retired police officer said five intractable security challenges including Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry in the North West, separatist agitations in the South East, Niger Delta, and communal conflicts including herder-farmer clashes, especially in North Central impacted the country.
“Boko Haram insurgency -over 35,000 people killed, according to estimates and various conflict monitoring sources. Banditry -over 12,000 killed, 1 million displaced, and 1 million children out of school by October 2021.
“2022 High-Profile Bandit Attacks – notable incidents included the Kaduna train attack, the attack on the Guards Battalion, the Owo catholic church attack and the Kuje prison break.
“Kaduna state – in 2021 alone, government data reported 1,192 people killed and 3,348 kidnapped.
In Benue and Plateau states, before May 2023, violent conflicts caused thousands of deaths, over 5,000 in Benue (according to Benue State Emergency Management Agency data) and hundreds in Plateau, resulting in massive displacement and widespread destruction.
“South East – separatist Violence (IPOB/ESN): Between October 2020 and June 2021, IPOB/ESN attacks destroyed 164 police stations, killed 128 policemen, injured 144, destroyed 628 vehicles, carried out three prison breaks (including the Owerri facility where 1,841 inmates escaped), and attacked the Immigration Service headquarters in Umuahia.
“Niger Delta – unrest was primarily linked to economic sabotage and oil theft, with crude oil production brought down to around 1 million barrels per day before May 2023,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Ribadu said in the North West, where armed banditry was prevalent, 11,250 hostages had been freed. At the same time, top warlords (Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, Damuna, etc) were eliminated.
He said that in the region, over 70 deputy commanders and hundreds of foot soldiers were neutralised, and 35 warlords surrendered as part of our non-kinetic approach, which is called the Kaduna model.
“The government has designed a new process called Operation Safe Corridor North West to receive repentant bandits. Ongoing Operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands and other enclaves,” Ribadu said.
Speaking further, he said the situation in the Niger Delta improved under the present administration, leading to improved oil production, which rose to an average of 1.8M bpd in 2025. Infractions dropped 47%, with 1,978 illegal refineries dismantled.
“Destruction of 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens.
Operation DELTA SAFE, which involves all security services, is helping ensure regional security. After over 30 years,” Ribadu added, oil production will soon resume in Ogoniland.
He said in the Southeast, separatist agitation is contained with sit-at-home orders becoming more and more ineffective while key IPOB/ESN figures are captured or neutralised.
“Over 50 police stations and many police posts were rebuilt. Attacks on security forces have significantly reduced. Social and economic activities are normalising,” Ribadu noted.
On strengthening cybersecurity, he said, “The Binance case made us focus on cracking down on criminal activities on cryptocurrency platforms. Many suspicious accounts linked to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities were closed.
“A new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been approved and is being implemented. A more effective counter-intelligence and strategic support for threat mitigation and national defence is in place.
“Global threats – cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime. Sahel instability; Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso. Lake Chad Basin: ISWAP/Boko Haram threats. Climate and arms flow exacerbate regional insecurity.
“Significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape since May 29, 2023. Enhanced security operations, better intelligence gathering, and targeted interventions have begun stabilising key hotspots and reducing casualties.
“Inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance are critical enablers of long-term peace and stability. Our efforts are restoring hope to communities long affected by violence and displacement.
Security is everybody’s business. Governments at all levels and security services must deliver on their mandates to better secure our country.
“What we can achieve is a product of collective work by the security team under Mr President’s strategic leadership.
We thank the President for approving the reinvigoration of the National Park Service, especially the Forest Guard Initiative, which we believe will help safeguard our forests. I also thank all my colleagues in the security team for their commitment, cooperation, and support,” he added.
Meanwhile, Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have killed Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in operations across Borno State.
The troops also recovered weapons and IED-making materials in the operations.
A press statement issued on Thursday by the Nigerian army said the troops responded to intelligence about the insurgents’ attempt to loot food supplies from a civilian vehicle near Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge local government.
During the encounter, six terrorists were neutralised, and AK-47 rifles and ammunition were seized.
A military source who confirmed the operation on condition of anonymity said the operation prevented the terrorists from looting some foodstuffs meant for communities.
In another operation, troops from the Forward Operation Base Molai, with the CJTF, conducted an ambush on terrorists crossing point near Komala along the Maiduguri-Damboa road.
The strike neutralised an unconfirmed number of insurgents and led to the recovery of motorcycles, IED components, and materials.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
