Sit-At-Home Order Losing Grip, Southeast Security Improving – Ribadu.
Sit-At-Home Order Losing Grip, Southeast Security Improving – Ribadu.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has indicated that the ‘sit-at-home’ order imposed in the South-East by separatist groups is rapidly diminishing in influence, with security conditions in the region demonstrating significant enhancements.
During the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja on Thursday, where the Federal Government showcased its two-year scorecard, Ribadu provided an overview of the advancements achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in relation to critical security issues throughout the nation.
Ribadu highlighted that prominent members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have either been apprehended or rendered ineffective, considerably diminishing the separatist movement.
“The ‘sit-at-home’ orders are increasingly losing their effectiveness,” he stated, noting that incidents involving security personnel in the region have markedly decreased.
He disclosed that over 50 police stations and posts have been reconstructed as social and economic activities steadily resume throughout the South-East.
In the North-West, Ribadu characterised the previous year as a significant turning point in the battle against armed banditry.
He stated that 11,250 hostages have been rescued since President Tinubu took office, indicating a reduction in mass abductions.
“We have achieved significant successes against prominent warlords,” Ribadu stated, identifying notorious individuals such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna among those who have been neutralised.
He stated, “More than 50 leaders identified as ‘Kachalas,’ over 70 deputy commanders, and hundreds of foot soldiers have been neutralised in targeted operations.” Additionally, more than 35 warlords have capitulated as a component of the government’s non-kinetic approach, referred to as the ‘Kaduna Model’.
A new process, Operation Safe Corridor North West, has been introduced to facilitate deradicalisation and reintegration efforts.
‘Terrorists Surrendering’
In the North-East, Ribadu indicated that the counter-insurgency campaign has achieved significant progress.
More than 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, and over 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their family members, have surrendered.
Security forces have successfully recovered and destroyed a total of 11,118 weapons along with more than 252,596 rounds of various ammunition.
“Operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands, and other enclaves are currently in progress,” he stated, highlighting the emphasis on community resettlement and economic recovery.
In the Niger Delta, known for its oil wealth, Ribadu stated that “security efforts have resulted in the dismantling of 1,978 illegal refineries and the destruction of 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens.”
He stated that there has been a 47 percent reduction in infractions and that “for the first time in years, all pipelines are now green—fully operational.”
“Production has increased to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day,” Ribadu stated, highlighting that oil production in Ogoniland is poised to resume after over thirty years.
He credited these improvements to Operation Delta Safe, a collaborative security initiative involving multiple agencies in the region.
Cybercrime
The National Security Adviser addressed the government’s approach to addressing emerging threats in cyberspace.
He referenced the Binance investigation as a significant factor that initiated a stringent response to illicit activities associated with cryptocurrency platforms.
“Numerous accounts linked to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been deactivated,” Ribadu stated.
A new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been approved and is currently in the process of implementation.
The National Digital Forensic Laboratory is currently providing active support for military and law enforcement investigations nationwide, as stated by him.
In discussing wider issues, Ribadu noted that Nigeria remains engaged with global threats including cybercrime, terrorism, and organised crime, alongside regional instability in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
He emphasised that climate change and the spread of small arms are intensifying insecurity in neighbouring countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“Since May 29, 2023, notable progress has been made in tackling Nigeria’s intricate security challenges,” he stated.
He stated that improved intelligence gathering, focused interventions, and reinforced security operations have started to stabilise critical hotspots and decrease casualties.
Ribadu highlighted the importance of inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance as essential factors for attaining long-term peace and stability.
The APC National Summit saw the participation of 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 leaders, and various senior officials.