In a country facing various security challenges such as banditry, terrorism, and insurgency from groups like Boko Haram, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who has made significant progress in enhancing the nation’s security within just a year.
Upon taking office, Ribadu undertook the challenging task of reforming Nigeria’s intelligence framework, a bold move considering the resistance from conservative forces that had previously hindered progress.
With a strategy that combines intelligence, community involvement, and innovative solutions, the system has been updated to address core issues effectively and respond swiftly to crises.
Ribadu’s leadership has been characterized by a proactive and inclusive approach, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope philosophy aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and making Nigeria secure for everyone.
Within months of Ribadu’s oversight of intelligence operations, positive outcomes began to emerge, including the rescue of 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri who had been kidnapped, the liberation of several communities in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna states from violence and abductions, and the cessation of attacks by bandits and terrorists.
Notable achievements include the neutralization of infamous terror leaders like Halilu Sububu and Buhari Alhaji Halidu, known as “Buharin Yadi,” who had terrorized communities in northern Nigeria, as well as the elimination of bandit kingpins such as “Dangote” and Boderi Isyaku, who were involved in high-profile kidnappings and attacks.
Additionally, the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who incited violence in the South East from Finland, marks a significant step in Ribadu’s efforts to restore peace in the region.
Due to these remarkable accomplishments, both local and international security experts have praised Ribadu’s strategic thinking and leadership skills, highlighting his ability to navigate complex security issues and build consensus among various stakeholders. Community leaders and local organizations have also expressed their appreciation for his focus on grassroots engagement.
Ribadu’s success is not coincidental; he is recognized as a seasoned security professional from his time in the police force. His effective coordination of the Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, NSO, NSDC, Immigration, Forest/Hunters, and local security groups has laid the groundwork for dismantling non-state militias.
Following his directives, the Nigerian military and other security forces have intensified operations against insurgents, leading to significant territorial recoveries and the disruption of insurgent supply chains, thereby weakening their operational capabilities.
Ribadu has also utilized his international connections to curb terrorism funding and enhanced collaboration with neighboring African nations to mitigate Boko Haram’s activities. Furthermore, he has embraced modern technology in the fight against terrorism by integrating drones, surveillance systems, and data analytics, which have improved situational awareness and enabled preemptive actions against potential threats.
By understanding the importance of community involvement in countering insurgency, Ribadu has fostered trust and partnerships with local populations, encouraging collective efforts to report suspicious activities, which has been instrumental in combating radicalization.
To elevate the skills of security operatives, Ribadu has initiated training and capacity-building programs aimed at equipping personnel with the necessary skills to tackle modern insurgency challenges.
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As Ribadu turns 64, he has received numerous accolades from various sectors, highlighting his crucial role in restoring relative peace in Nigeria. His dedicated efforts to combat insurgents and promote stability have not only transformed national security but also instilled hope and resilience among the populace, allowing farmers in the northern region to return to their fields and business activities in the South East to gradually resume, contributing to food security and national economic growth.
Many remember how, at 43, as an Assistant Commissioner of Police and the first executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu gained national and international acclaim for his fearless prosecution of high-profile political figures and his success in getting Nigeria removed from the FATF List of Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories, as well as the withdrawal of the US Treasury FINCEN Advisory on Nigeria and his admission into the prestigious Egmont Group.
When Asiwaju Bola Tinubu offered Ribadu the opportunity to run as the presidential candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he remained loyal and committed to Tinubu, who later became the President of Nigeria.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has proven his critics wrong with these accomplishments, establishing himself as an icon dedicated to implementing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to secure Nigeria. As he celebrates another year, the nation anticipates further achievements under his experienced and capable leadership, hoping for lasting peace and stability in Nigeria.
Happy birthday, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
