Tinubu has contained Nigeria’s security threats — NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has declared that Nigeria’s multi-faceted security threats have been significantly curtailed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit marking the government’s two-year anniversary, Ribadu credited the progress to a coordinated effort by the nation’s security agencies.

He noted that before the current administration assumed office on May 29, 2023, the country faced severe crises including mass killings, abductions, destruction of infrastructure, and terrorist attacks on state institutions. He said these threats have now been largely contained.

Ribadu outlined five major crises inherited by the Tinubu government: Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, armed banditry in the North West, secessionist agitations by IPOB/ESN in the South East, unrest in the Niger Delta, and herder-farmer conflicts in the North Central.

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He recalled that Nigeria witnessed brazen terrorist attacks before the current administration took office — such as the bombing of the Abuja-Kaduna train, the Kuje Prison break, the massacre at a church in Owo, and an assault on a military base in Bwari.

“Over 35,000 lives were lost to Boko Haram and another 12,000 to banditry before 2023,” Ribadu said.

“Millions were displaced, but today, many of those threats have been neutralised or drastically reduced through a unified security front.”

According to the NSA, the government’s approach has led to the neutralization of over 13,543 Boko Haram fighters and the recovery and destruction of more than 11,000 weapons.

Additionally, 124,408 insurgents and their families have surrendered since the administration took office.

He highlighted that formerly disruptive issues such as the sit-at-home orders in the South East and sabotage of oil facilities in the Niger Delta have been brought under control.

Security operations continue in hotspots like the Tumbuktu Triangle and Tumbu Islands to flush out remaining insurgents.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised the administration’s efforts in restoring internal security.

He said terrorists no longer occupy Nigerian territories or hoist foreign flags as they once did.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, speaking on behalf of 22 APC governors, commended President Tinubu’s handling of security, noting that “despite the complexity of the challenges, progress is evident.”

He also moved a vote of confidence, endorsing Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027.