The “sit-at-home” rule being enforced by separatist groups in the South-East is quickly losing its grip, according to National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, with security conditions in the area showing marked improvements.
Ribadu described the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit on Thursday in Abuja, where the Federal Government presented its two-year scorecard.
Ribadu noted that the separatist campaign has been significantly weakened by the capture or neutralization of key members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He declared that “the sit-at-home” orders are becoming less effective, and that attacks on security personnel in the area have decreased significantly.
He revealed that as normal social and economic activities gradually return to the South-East, more than 50 police stations and posts have been rebuilt.
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Ribadu described the past year as a “watershed” in the fight against armed bandits in the North-West.
Since President Tinubu took office, 11, 250 hostages have been saved, he claims, reflecting a decline in the number of hostages seized.
Famous individuals like Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna were among the ones who were left out, according to Ribadu, who claimed “we have delivered decisive blows to top warlords.”
He claimed that hundreds of foot soldiers, over 70 deputy commanders, and more than 50 “Kachales,” have been neutralized in ‘target operations’. Additionally, over 35 warlords have given up as part of the government’s non-kinetic plan known as the “Kaduna Model.”
He added that to support deradicalization and reintegration, a new procedure, Operation Safe Corridor North West, was developed.
Terrorists are “surrendering.”
Ribadu cited the significant gains made by the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
More than 124, 408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered, compared to the previous 1343 terrorists and criminals who were neutralized.
At least 11, 118 weapons, plus 596 rounds of ammunition, have been recovered and destroyed by security forces.
He continued, citing the importance of community resettlement and economic recovery, “operations are ongoing in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands, and other enclaves.”
According to Ribadu, “security efforts have resulted in the destruction of 3, 849 dugout pits and 3, 773 illegal cooking ovens” in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
He claimed that all pipelines are now fully operational and that there has been a 47% drop in infractions for the first time in years.
According to Ribadu, “Production has increased by 1.8 million barrels per day,” adding that Ogoniland’s oil production will resume after more than three decades.
He attributed these improvements to regional multi-agency security operation Operation Delta Safe.
Cyber Crime ,
The government’s response to emerging cyberspace threats was also covered by the National Security Advisor.
He cited the investigation into Binance as the beginning of a crackdown on illegal activity involving cryptocurrency platforms.
According to Ribadu, “Many shady accounts” involving terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been closed down.
He disclosed that a brand-new National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been approved and is currently being implemented.
According to him, the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now actively assisting national military and law enforcement investigations.
In addition to regional instability in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, Ribadu cited other pressing issues that Nigeria is facing, including global threats like organized crime, terrorism, and cybercrime.
He argued that insecurity is worsening in neighboring Mali, Niger, and Burkinabe due to climate change and the proliferation of small arms.
Significant improvements have been made in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape since May 29, 2023, he claimed.
He claims that more sophisticated intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and increased security operations have started to stabilize key hotspots and reduce casualties.
Ribadu emphasized the importance of responsive governance, infrastructure development, and long-term stability.
Source: Channels TV
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