By Daniel Otera
Amid persistent public anxiety over Nigeria’s security landscape, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has presented what he described as a significant turnaround in the country’s security situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a 19-page presentation titled Nigeria’s Achievement on National Security (2023–2025), Mr Ribadu detailed regional-specific progress and strategic interventions undertaken to confront longstanding threats.
A Regional Breakdown of Insecurity and Response
Providing regional focus to underscore the complexity and uniqueness of Nigeria’s security challenges, the NSA identified Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency in the North-east, banditry in the North-west, separatist violence in the South-east, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and communal clashes across various regions as the major threats confronting the country.
According to Mr Ribadu, the Tinubu administration inherited what he described as “dire threats to the cohesion, stability, and integrity of the Nigerian state.” However, he said coordinated military operations, intelligence-led interventions, and non-kinetic approaches have yielded measurable successes since May 2023.
In the North-east, the epicentre of a 14-year insurgency, the NSA disclosed that 13,543 insurgents were killed, while 124,408 fighters and their family members surrendered. He added that more than 11,000 weapons and 252,596 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered and destroyed.
“These figures reflect a significant degradation of Boko Haram and ISWAP capabilities,” Mr Ribadu said, emphasising the role of continued military offensives and community-based reintegration strategies.
North-west: Battling Banditry and Kidnappings
The North-west, notorious for rampant kidnappings and banditry, witnessed the elimination of over 50 bandit kingpins and 70 deputy commanders, in addition to hundreds of their foot soldiers.
Mr Ribadu listed notorious warlords such as Halilu Sububu, Ali Kawaje (popularly known as Ali Kachala), Boderi Isyaku, Isuhu Yellow, and Dumuna among those neutralised.
“In addition to our kinetic operations, over 35 warlords surrendered as part of our non-kinetic approach, which we call the Kaduna Model,” he explained.
This model, he said, has now been integrated into a new programme known as Operation Safe Corridor North-west, targeting the rehabilitation of repentant bandits — similar to the North-east’s de-radicalisation programme for former insurgents. However, Mr Ribadu admitted that challenges persist.
“Key factors like poor welfare keep pushing some repentant terrorists back to the forest, to meet their brothers-in-arms,” he noted, signalling the need for improved post-surrender support systems.
The NSA also highlighted the rescue of 11,250 hostages from various terrorist camps in the North-west a figure he credited to combined military intelligence and community cooperation.
South-south: Striking at the Heart of Oil Theft
In the oil-rich Niger Delta, long troubled by militancy and illegal oil bunkering, the government has intensified its crackdown on illicit refining operations.
Mr Ribadu reported that 1,978 illegal refineries, 3,849 dugout pits, and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens have been dismantled under Operation Safe Delta. This operation, according to him, aims to restore “regional security” and protect the nation’s vital economic assets.
South-east: Dimming the Flame of Separatist Violence
The South-east region, grappling with separatist agitations spearheaded by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has also witnessed a decline in violent incidents, the NSA said. He attributed this to military operations targeting the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the group’s armed wing.
“Key figures of the ESN have either been captured or killed,” Mr Ribadu said. “Their infamous Monday sit-at-home order is becoming more ineffective.”
He confirmed that the group, known for attacks on police stations and public institutions, has been weakened. “Violent attacks have significantly reduced,” he stated, noting that over 50 police stations and several police posts have been rebuilt in the region.
While the figures suggest notable gains, Mr Ribadu’s report also acknowledges that Nigeria’s security challenges remain complex and evolving. He called for “sustained commitment and whole-government collaboration” to secure lasting peace across all regions.
