By Bavoriat Clara
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, public safety, and strengthening national security across Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the NSA, the Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, Asishana B. Okauru, delivered a keynote address at the Federal and State Security Administrators Meeting held at the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja.
Okauru, who apologized for the NSA’s absence due to official engagements at the State House, emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made national security one of the core priorities of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that since assumption of office, President Tinubu has taken bold and far-reaching steps to tackle insecurity by repositioning the Armed Forces of Nigeria for more effective counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. He added that the procurement of modern military platforms, weapons, and logistics support has significantly improved the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.
The NSA’s representative also disclosed that the Federal Government has intensified collaboration between intelligence, law enforcement, and defense agencies, resulting in greater synergy and more effective joint operations across the country.
According to him, these efforts have begun to yield visible results, with the security situation improving in many parts of Nigeria. He stated that Boko Haram insurgents have been substantially degraded, as thousands of their fighters and family members have surrendered to troops, while spontaneous terrorist attacks have dropped considerably.
Okauru further explained that troops have taken the fight to the enclaves of armed bandits in the North-West and North-Central regions, neutralizing many of them, rescuing hundreds of captives, and restoring peace to previously troubled communities, especially in parts of Kaduna and Katsina States.
He said the Federal Government has also launched the Forest Guards Initiative, aimed at sanitizing forest reserves that had become safe havens for bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
“As reiterated by Mr. President, the initiative is designed to flush out bad elements from our forest reserves and restore sanity to our rural communities,” he said.
Okauru also noted that the activities of separatists in the South-East and parts of the South-South have been curtailed, adding that the sentencing of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities has further reduced separatist agitations.
He revealed that security in Nigeria’s maritime domain has also improved significantly, with piracy and sea attacks now under control. This, he said, has enabled the country to surpass its crude oil production quota as set by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
While declaring the meeting open, Okauru commended the commitment and dedication of the participants and urged them to develop actionable strategies that will further enhance national security.
“As security administrators from various ministries, departments, and agencies across all 36 states and the FCT, you have a critical role to play in articulating effective responses to the diverse security challenges confronting our country. The government awaits your recommendations and will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, described the meeting as a vital platform for dialogue, coordination, and information sharing among security administrators across the federation.
He stated that the meeting was convened to deliberate on crucial security issues demanding urgent national attention, including the operationalization of the Forest Guards Initiative, illegal mining, the activities of scavengers popularly known as Baban Bola, and the management of natural and human-induced disasters.
Danjuma explained that the Forest Guards Initiative, approved by President Tinubu, will deploy about 30,000 armed operatives across the country’s 1,129 forests and game reserves. He said a pilot phase will be launched in Anambra, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Sokoto, and Yobe States before full-scale implementation nationwide.
“Some of Nigeria’s forests have become hideouts for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals. The success of this initiative will depend on strong political will, adequate funding, and the collective support of all states across the federation,” he stressed.
The Permanent Secretary expressed concern over the increasing rate of illegal mining in several parts of the country, noting that the illicit trade has become a major driver of insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
He revealed that many criminal kingpins now engage locals in illegal mining to raise funds for their criminal operations, while some foreign nationals from neighboring African countries and China have also been identified as key players in the illegal trade.
Danjuma equally drew attention to the threat posed by scavengers who vandalize public and private infrastructure, including rail tracks, solar streetlights, and manhole covers, thereby endangering lives and sabotaging national assets.
He warned that the activities of scavengers in collecting unexploded ordinances, especially in the North-East, pose a grave danger to public safety.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed deep concern about the recurring cases of tanker explosions, boat mishaps, and road accidents, which have resulted in heavy casualties and property losses. He cited data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicating that within the first quarter of 2025 alone, 2,650 road crashes were recorded, leading to 1,593 deaths and over 9,000 injuries.
He further noted that Nigeria’s hydrological services had predicted widespread flooding in about 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the country must be proactive in disaster preparedness and management.
“Flooding has already caused widespread devastation, displacement, and loss of lives and property in some parts of the country. These disasters, whether natural or human-induced, demand effective coordination, proper funding, and improved awareness to minimize their impact,” Danjuma said.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his leadership and support in ensuring the successful hosting of the meeting and also lauded the National Coordinator, National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, and his team for their role in facilitating the program.
Danjuma urged participants to engage in robust and constructive deliberations that would lead to practical and sustainable recommendations aimed at reducing crime, improving security, and enhancing national stability.
The meeting brought together Federal and State Security Administrators, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Directors, and other key stakeholders from across the country to review current security challenges and explore strategies for a more coordinated and effective national security management system.
admin