Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said the nation was on the brink of severe instability in 2022, grappling with widespread crises that posed serious threats to its unity and survival until President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023.
Mr Ribadu made this known in Abuja during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18 Regular Course.
He painted a grim picture of the security landscape before Mr Tinubu’s emergence, noting that threats were widespread and affected all parts of the country.
He highlighted that Nigeria faced security challenges on multiple fronts – from the insurgency in the North East, escalating violence in the North West, unrest in the Niger Delta, to separatist movements in the South East.
Mr Ribadu stressed that the Mr Tinubu administration remains fully committed to tackling these deeply rooted security issues.
READ ALSO
He pointed out that significant progress had already been achieved in restoring stability and rebuilding trust among citizens.
He revealed that government-led counterinsurgency operations have so far resulted in the elimination of more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals, while over 124,000 fighters from Boko Haram and ISWAP, along with their family members, have surrendered.
Mr Ribadu further proposed that military veterans should be actively involved in the ongoing security efforts, highlighting the critical importance of their experience and expertise in combating complex threats.
Meanwhile, former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, also addressed the gathering.
He advocated for the introduction of compulsory military training for all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as a way to strengthen the nation’s capacity to confront insurgency and other security challenges.
