The National Security Adviser, (NSA) Nuhu Ribaɗu, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has remained firm in surmounting the inherited intractable security challenges.
Ribaɗu stated this on Friday, during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course, which was held in Abuja, while delivering a lecture titled: “Veterans As Significant National Assets”.
“Nigeria had stood at a dangerous crossroads in 2022, grappling with multiple crises that threatened its unity, stability, and future. He said the challenges range 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”, he noted.
According to him, the Government has made bold strides in restoring security and rebuilding national confidence.
The NSA said the North-West region, which had been ravaged by bandits was witnessing changes, adding that over 11,250 hostages had been rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna States alone.
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 North-West’, has also led to the surrender of 35 armed leaders.
In the Niger-Delta, Ribaɗu said the government had reclaimed control of the nation’s lifeblood in the region once plagued by massive crude oil theft and sabotage.
The NSA further said that 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.
Ribaɗu said that 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.
The reunion dinner had in attendance, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service Chief amongst others dignitaries.
