National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has announced that the sit-at-home directives issued by separatist factions in Nigeria’s South-East are increasingly losing their influence, pointing to enhanced security measures and a gradual restoration of normal activities in the region.
Addressing the audience on Thursday, May 22, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, where the federal government showcased its two-year security achievements under President Bola Tinubu, Ribadu emphasized numerous successes in critical conflict areas.
“The sit-at-home orders are becoming more and more ineffective,” Ribadu said. “We have significantly degraded the capacity of IPOB and ESN. Many of their top figures have either been captured or neutralised.”
He further noted that assaults on security forces in the region have significantly decreased, with over 50 police stations and outposts reconstructed, signaling a steady revival of social and economic activities in the South-East.
Shifting focus to the North-West, Ribadu described the past year as a pivotal moment in the fight against banditry. “We have delivered decisive blows to top warlords,” he said. “Names like Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna have all been eliminated.”
Ribadu reported that 11,250 hostages have been freed since President Tinubu took office, and more than 35 notorious warlords have surrendered through the government’s non-kinetic peace approach, known as the “Kaduna Model.”
He elaborated, “More than 50 leaders known as ‘Kachalas,’ over 70 deputy commanders, and hundreds of foot soldiers have been neutralised in targeted operations.”
In the North-East, Ribadu highlighted significant advancements in the counter-insurgency efforts. “Over 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, while more than 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered,” he said.
He added that “operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands, and other enclaves are ongoing,” and that more than 11,000 weapons and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized and destroyed.
In the Niger Delta, Ribadu underscored ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and sabotage. “Security efforts have led to the dismantling of 1,978 illegal refineries and the destruction of 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens,” he said. “There has been a 47 percent drop in infractions, and for the first time in years, all pipelines are now green—fully operational.”
He revealed that Nigeria’s oil output has risen to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day, and added, “Oil production in Ogoniland is set to resume after more than three decades.”
Ribadu also addressed the government’s increasing emphasis on tackling cybercrime and financial security. “The Binance investigation became a catalyst for disrupting criminal networks that use crypto platforms,” he said. “Many suspicious accounts connected to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been shut down.”
He disclosed that a new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been rolled out and that the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now aiding security operations nationwide.
“Since May 29, 2023, significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape,” Ribadu concluded. “Our improved intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and strengthened security operations are stabilising key hotspots and reducing casualties.”
He emphasized that sustainable peace and stability depend on inclusive economic progress, infrastructure development, and responsive governance.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli