The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on Nigerians to play a more active role in the fight against insecurity by promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies, saying timely information from citizens can help prevent attacks and save lives.
Ribadu said security agencies depend on credible intelligence from members of the public to respond quickly to threats posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating across the country.
He made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the destruction of 2,819 illegal and unserviceable weapons by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The exercise formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation and deny criminal groups access to weapons used in violent attacks.
Represented at the event by Dr Dennis Otuaro, Ribadu urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and security threats without delay.
According to him, early intelligence often gives security agencies the opportunity to stop criminals before they carry out attacks.
He stressed that no security system can succeed without the active cooperation of the public.
“Timely information from citizens enables security agencies to respond swiftly and prevent criminal activities before they are carried out,” Ribadu said.
He explained that the growing challenge of illegal firearms remains one of the biggest factors sustaining insecurity across different parts of Nigeria.
According to him, terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal gangs rely heavily on illegal weapons to carry out attacks on communities, security personnel and critical infrastructure.
The NSA noted that every illegal firearm recovered and destroyed weakens the operational capacity of criminal organisations and contributes to improving public safety.
He described the destruction of the 2,819 weapons as another important step in the Federal Government’s campaign against the illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“The destruction of these weapons is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen national security and reduce the spread of illegal firearms across the country,” he said.
Ribadu also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s security strategy, saying President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive approach aimed at tackling both conventional and emerging security threats.
According to him, the strategy places greater emphasis on intelligence-led operations, stronger collaboration among security agencies, disrupting the financial networks that support criminal groups and expanding partnerships with neighbouring countries and international allies.
He said the approach is already producing positive results in several areas.
“The new security strategy has recorded significant progress in weakening terrorist networks, strengthening border security and addressing emerging threats,” Ribadu said.
He assured Nigerians that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to intensify operations against criminal groups across the country.
“I also want to assure Nigerians that our security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property across the country,” he added.
Nigeria has continued to face multiple security challenges in recent years, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping for ransom across several states, violent attacks by armed groups and communal conflicts in different parts of the country.
Security agencies have repeatedly stressed that intelligence provided by local communities has helped prevent attacks, rescue kidnap victims and arrest criminal suspects.
However, authorities have also expressed concern that fear of reprisals, lack of trust and delayed reporting often prevent residents from sharing vital information with law enforcement agencies.
The Federal Government has therefore continued to encourage stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities as part of its broader security policy.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which organised the destruction of the seized weapons, was established to coordinate Nigeria’s efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The centre works with the military, police, customs, immigration and other security agencies to recover illicit weapons, improve arms control and strengthen border security.
Illegal small arms and light weapons have remained a major concern not only in Nigeria but across West Africa, where porous borders and regional conflicts have contributed to the movement of weapons across countries.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to intercept illegal weapons through improved border surveillance, intelligence gathering and joint operations involving multiple security agencies.
Officials believe that reducing the number of illicit firearms in circulation will significantly weaken criminal organisations and improve public safety.
The destruction of the recovered weapons is also intended to prevent them from finding their way back into criminal hands while demonstrating the government’s commitment to enforcing arms control measures.
Ribadu’s appeal to Nigerians underscores the government’s belief that tackling insecurity requires not only military and law enforcement operations but also active public participation.
He urged citizens not to remain silent when they notice suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that prompt reporting could help security agencies prevent attacks before they occur.
According to the NSA, building a safer Nigeria will require sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and ordinary citizens, all working together to deny criminal groups the opportunity to operate.