Mr. Ribadu emphasized the Tinubu administration’s significant accomplishments in reducing insecurity, concentrating on specific regions and the security risks that are unique to them.
In the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, 15,543 insurgents were killed nationwide, according to National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu.
He went on to say that within the same time frame, 124,408 members of Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), also submitted.
This was revealed by Mr. Ribadu during a presentation he gave at the All Progressives Congress national summit to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Bola Tinubu administration. The NSA’s presentation covered the administration’s national security accomplishments from 2023 to 2025. A copy of the 19-page PowerPoint presentation, “Nigeria’s Achievement on National Security (2023-2025),” was provided to PREMIUM TIMES.
An outline of security issues before to President Tinubu’s ascent to office, strategic interventions and regional successes, and current issues with a plea for steadfast dedication and government-wide cooperation for enduring peace are the three topics covered in the document.
The primary security threats in Nigeria, according to Mr. Ribadu, are the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency, banditry, separatist agitations, Niger Delta unrest, and communal clashes. Prior to May 2023, when his principal came to power, these threats were grave to the “cohesion, stability, and integrity of the Nigerian state.”
“The accomplishments”
Mr. Ribadu emphasized the Tinubu administration’s significant accomplishments in reducing insecurity, concentrating on specific regions and the security risks that are unique to them.
According to the NSA, hundreds of foot soldiers, 70 deputy commanders, and more than 50 bandit kingpins have been murdered in the terror-torn North-West region, where kidnappings for ransom are common.
Notable individuals slain in the nation’s battle against banditry include Dumuna, Boderi Isyaku, Isuhu Yellow, Ali Kawaje, also known as Ali Kachala, and prominent bandit kingpin Halilu Sububu. “As part of our non-kinetic approach, which we call the Kaduna Model,” Mr. Ribadu stated, “more than 35 bandit warlords surrendered.” He also mentioned that a new initiative called “Operation Safe Corridor North-west” has been created to accept and perhaps rehabilitate criminals who have repented.
The rehabilitation programs intended for remorseful Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast are comparable to this. Even while these initiatives have had some success, important elements such as inadequate welfare continue to drive some remorseful terrorists back into the woods to join their fellow combatants.
“One of the most noteworthy accomplishments in the North-West region is the liberation of 11,250 hostages from terrorists’ hideouts throughout the region,” Mr. Ribadu said.
According to Mr. Ribadu, 13,543 rebels have been killed and over 124,408 others, along with their families, have surrendered in the northeast, a region that has been dealing with years of conflict. He added that over 11,000 firearms had been found and destroyed, and that 252,596 rounds of various ammunition were also discovered and destroyed.
According to Mr. Ribadu, 1,978 illicit refineries were demolished in the South-South region of the Niger Delta, which is a difficult oil-rich region. At least 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens have been dismantled in the area where “Operation Safe Delta” has been executed to guarantee “regional security,” according to Mr. Ribadu.
According to the NSA, important members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the illegal Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), have either been killed or seized in the southeast region that is under threat from separatist agitations. On Mondays, the ESN also implemented a “sit-at-home” policy. Mr. Ribadu, however, stated that this is becoming “more ineffective,” pointing out that social and economic activities are becoming more commonplace.
Targeting public employees and security forces, the ESN has conducted terror strikes in the area.
Numerous police formations in the area have been set on fire by the armed organization, which has killed numerous officers.
However, the NSA claimed that there has been a “significant reduction” in violent attacks. He added that numerous police positions and more than 50 police stations had been reestablished.