Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), has stated that Nigeria was “practically under siege” before President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna, Ribadu said strategic operations and coordinated intelligence under Tinubu’s leadership have drastically improved the security situation.
“In the last two years, over 300 notorious bandit leaders have been neutralised and 12,100 hostages rescued,” Ribadu said.
He added that over 14,000 illegal firearms had been recovered and destroyed as part of efforts to curb violent crime.
The NSA revealed that the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies had foiled three separate attempts to attack the Kaduna–Abuja train corridor, crediting early intelligence and swift responses for the successes.
Ribadu defended the initial quietness of the armed forces under Tinubu, describing it as deliberate.
“We chose to speak less and act more. It wasn’t weakness—it was tactical focus,” he said.
The NSA commended Governor Uba Sani’s peacebuilding efforts, describing the Kaduna Peace Model as a “game changer.”
“Kaduna is now over 80 percent safe because the state government is working hand in hand with us,” Ribadu said.
He warned against politicising security issues, insisting that some critics refuse to acknowledge progress for political reasons.
“Security is a collective responsibility, not a partisan project,” he stressed.
Ribadu, who was flanked by senior security chiefs, assured that the federal government is fully committed to restoring nationwide peace.
“The armed forces are more determined, and Nigeria is now in good hands,” he said.
