President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria would defeat terrorists and bandits threatening the country, expressing strong confidence in the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The President made the statement during a visit to Adamawa State, Ribadu’s home state, where he commended the NSA for what he described as honesty, courage and commitment to duty.
“With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists,” Tinubu said while addressing government officials and community leaders. “You are a good National Security Adviser; honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job. I believe the state of Adamawa is strongly proud of you because I am too.”
The remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, especially in the North-West and North-East regions, where banditry, terrorism and kidnappings have affected thousands of families.
Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was appointed National Security Adviser in 2023 following Tinubu’s inauguration. Since then, he has been coordinating efforts among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security bodies to address insecurity.
The Office of the National Security Adviser plays a key role in shaping and advising the President on matters relating to national security. The office also coordinates intelligence gathering and works closely with the military and law enforcement agencies.
Tinubu’s public praise of Ribadu is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the NSA’s approach to tackling security threats. The President said his administration remains determined to restore peace and stability across the country.
Nigeria has battled insurgency in the North-East for over a decade, mainly driven by extremist groups. In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, armed bandits have attacked communities, abducted schoolchildren, and targeted farmers. These attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities and disruption of economic activities.
The President’s visit to Adamawa State was part of official engagements aimed at strengthening ties with state governments and reviewing development efforts. Adamawa, located in the North-East, has also been affected by insecurity in recent years due to its proximity to areas hit by insurgency.
During the visit, Tinubu expressed pride in Ribadu as a son of the state. He told residents that Adamawa should be proud of producing a leader playing such an important role in national security.
Under Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government has continued military operations against armed groups across troubled regions. The armed forces have reported successes in eliminating some key insurgent leaders and rescuing kidnapped victims.
However, challenges remain. Bandits continue to operate in forest areas across states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger. In the North-East, troops are still working to prevent attacks by insurgent fighters.
The President has repeatedly stated that security is a top priority of his government. He has also called on state governments and traditional leaders to work closely with federal authorities to provide intelligence and support security operations.
Ribadu has, in several public appearances, assured Nigerians that security agencies are working around the clock to improve safety. He has emphasised the need for unity and patience, noting that the fight against terrorism and banditry requires time and coordination.
Many Nigerians continue to express concern over insecurity, especially in rural communities where attacks are frequent. Farmers in some areas have been forced to abandon their lands, contributing to food shortages and rising prices.
Tinubu’s statement in Adamawa signals that the Federal Government remains committed to confronting the problem head-on. By openly backing Ribadu, the President appears to be reinforcing trust in the current security structure.
For Ribadu, the praise from the President may serve as encouragement as he continues to coordinate complex security operations across the country.
