Since the Tinubu administration took office, the Federal Government has shifted from a reactive stance to a strategic, resilience-focused approach in addressing Nigeria’s layered security threats. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu highlighted that this new paradigm moves the country from responding to crises—as they happen—to building robust systems that anticipate, absorb, and recover from future shocks.
Ribadu described Nigeria’s security challenges as a “four-fold” threat composed of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast, banditry and kidnappings in the Northwest and North-central regions, separatist movements (IPOB/ESN) in the Southeast, and a resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta. Each of these arises from local grievances but is amplified by transnational forces such as the easy spread of small arms, extremist ideologies, cyber interference, and external sponsors.
Under his leadership, significant ground has been gained through military operations and strategic policy. Over 160,000 insurgents have laid down their arms, more than 300 commanders have been neutralized, and tangible gains have been made against key threats.
However, Ribadu stressed that true security requires more than military might. It demands “strong institutions and attitudinal change,” including investments in justice, opportunity, dignity, and the hearts and minds of citizens. He argued that stability comes from balancing kinetic efforts with good governance and unity.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security is intertwined with regional dynamics: evidence shows as much as 60% of insurgents originate from outside Nigeria, illustrating how closely tied the nation’s stability is to developments in the Sahel and broader West Africa.
Ribadu concluded with a powerful message: an effective and lasting security architecture must integrate human, institutional, technological, and communal structures. Only by reinforcing these pillars can Nigeria become self-reliant and regain global confidence. He cautioned that resilience is built “step by step, policy by policy,” but affirmed that the foundation is presently being laid for a secure, prosperous future.
