The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has announced that the “sit-at-home” order enforced by separatist groups in the South-East is losing its grip, with marked improvements in security conditions.
Ribadu speaking at the APC National Summit on Thursday in Abuja, attributed the progress to the capture or neutralisation of key figures of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The ‘sit-at-home’ orders are becoming more and more ineffective,” Ribadu declared, adding that attacks on security personnel in the region have significantly reduced, ” he said.
Ribadu highlighted several achievements, including the rebuilding of over 50 police stations and posts, and the gradual return of normal social and economic activities across the South-East.
He also reported significant gains in the fight against armed banditry in the North-West, with 11,250 hostages rescued and top warlords eliminated.
“We have delivered decisive blows to top warlords,” Ribadu said, naming notorious figures such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna among those eliminated.
In the North-East, Ribadu said more than 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, while more than 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered.
He also reported progress in the oil-rich Niger Delta, with a 47 per cent drop in infractions and oil production rising to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day.
“For the first time in years, all pipelines are now green fully operational,” Ribadu said, attributing the gains to Operation Delta Safe.
Ribadu also touched on the government’s response to emerging threats in cyberspace, citing the Binance investigation as a catalyst for a crackdown on criminal activities linked to cryptocurrency platforms.
“Many suspicious accounts connected to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been shut down,” Ribadu said.
He disclosed that a new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been approved and is being implemented.
According to him, the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now actively supporting military and law enforcement investigations across the country.
Addressing broader challenges, Ribadu said Nigeria continued to grapple with global threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organised crime, as well as regional instability in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
He stressed that climate change and the proliferation of small arms were aggravating insecurity in neighbouring countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“Since May 29, 2023, significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape,” he asserted.
According to him, enhanced intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and strengthened security operations have begun to stabilise key hotspots and reduce casualties.
Ribadu emphasised that inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance remained critical to achieving long-term peace and stability.
The APC National Summit was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, governors, party chieftains, and other high-ranking officials.
