A political affairs analyst, Ibrahim Modibo, has called for the immediate removal of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, saying the security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated under his watch.
Modibo made the call on Friday during a live interview on the television program ‘Prime Time’ on Arise Television, citing the recent increase in violent attacks, kidnappings, and terrorist activities across the country as evidence of systemic failure.
He described Ribadu’s performance as inadequate, arguing that the country’s security architecture has collapsed.
“The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, should be sacked. He has failed. The security architecture has failed,” Modibo said.
He compared the situation to a failing student, adding, “If someone is failing exams, will he continue graduating? He should be let go.”
Modibo emphasized that Nigeria’s worsening security problems, including attacks on military installations, require urgent and decisive action from authorities.
The analyst highlighted a recent terrorist attack on military Forward Operating Bases, during which at least three General Commanding Officers were killed.
He criticized the current approach to national security, noting that strategies in place have not prevented such attacks and that the security system has shown significant gaps in intelligence gathering and operational readiness.
“The base is about five kilometers. Why are we not using technology? Apart from drone surveillance, assuming the military is equipped with state-of-the-art materials, can’t they install surveillance cameras to monitor the surroundings?” Modibo questioned.
Modibo also stressed the importance of integrating technology into security operations. He suggested that modern tools such as drones, cameras, and satellites could help security agencies monitor sensitive areas and respond promptly to threats.
He further questioned why authorities have not implemented systems to track ransom payments, noting that kidnappers often abduct individuals from villages and demand large sums, which are eventually paid.
“For God’s sake, ransoms have been paid. The security know. Don’t they have this technological pin that could be put into the money to track these criminals wherever they are?” he asked.
Modibo argued that such measures could prevent repeated attacks and strengthen the security apparatus without necessarily increasing troop deployment.
Nigeria has witnessed a sharp rise in violent incidents in recent months, including attacks by bandits in the Northwest, kidnappings in the North-Central region, and terrorist raids in the Northeast.
The deaths of senior military officers in attacks on Forward Operating Bases have raised concerns about the preparedness of the armed forces and the overall intelligence strategy employed by the government.
Modibo’s statement reflects growing public frustration with the country’s insecurity. Citizens and political commentators have repeatedly criticized the government for failing to curb attacks by armed groups and terrorist organizations.
Several governors, including the governor of Zamfara State, have recently expressed concerns over the safety of residents and the need for better surveillance and intelligence systems.
Modibo cited these concerns, urging authorities to adopt practical and technological solutions to prevent further loss of life.
According to the analyst, urgent measures are required to stabilize Nigeria’s security environment. These include improving intelligence networks, equipping military bases with modern surveillance systems, and using technology to monitor ransom payments and track criminal networks.
He warned that failure to take decisive action could result in more attacks, leading to further loss of lives and erosion of public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.
“The shadows of these failures are already visible. We must break the glass ceilings in security operations and act decisively to protect our citizens,” Modibo said.
Technological Solutions Suggested
Modibo proposed several solutions to enhance the security framework:
Deploying drones and satellite imagery to monitor high-risk areas.
Installing surveillance cameras around military bases and vulnerable communities.
Using GPS and tracking devices on ransom payments to trace kidnappers and terrorist groups.
Establishing a central monitoring unit to oversee operations and coordinate responses.
He argued that these measures, combined with adequate training and resource allocation, could significantly reduce the frequency of attacks.
