Nigeria’s Security Landscape Shows Significant Improvement, Says NSA Ribadu

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has highlighted notable progress in Nigeria’s security situation since President Bola Tinubu’s administration took office in May 2023.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Ribadu attributed the improvements to the government’s bold initiatives aimed at restoring security and rebuilding national confidence.

According to Ribadu, the counterinsurgency efforts have yielded impressive results, with over 13,500 terrorists and criminals neutralized and more than 124,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendering.

The government has also regained control of areas previously held by insurgents, including the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad Basin.

In the North West, the security situation has improved, with over 11,250 hostages rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna states. Notorious warlords have been eliminated, and more than 50 criminal leaders and dozens of their deputies have been apprehended.

The Niger Delta region has also seen significant progress, with oil production increasing from 1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.

All major pipelines are now operational, and over 1,900 illegal refineries have been dismantled. Additionally, oil production has resumed in Ogoniland for the first time in three decades.

Ribadu noted that the government is also addressing modern threats, including cyber defense and financial intelligence. A National Digital Forensics Laboratory and a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan have been deployed to enhance national cyber resilience.