Sit-At-Home Order Losing Grip, Southeast Security Improving – Ribadu
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has said that the ‘sit-at-home’ order enforced in the South-East by separatist groups is fast losing its grip, with security conditions in the region showing marked improvements. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja on Thursday, where the Federal Government presented its two-year scorecard, Ribadu gave an account of progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration across key security flashpoints in the country. Ribadu noted that key figures of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have either been captured or neutralised, significantly weakening the separatist campaign. “The ‘sit-at-home’ orders are becoming more and more ineffective,” he declared, adding that attacks on security personnel in the region have significantly reduced. He revealed that more than 50 police stations and posts have been rebuilt as normal social and economic activities gradually return across the South-East. In the North-West, Ribadu described the past year as a “watershed” in the fight against armed banditry. According to him, 11,250 hostages have been rescued since President Tinubu assumed office, a development that reflects a decline in mass abductions. “We have delivered decisive blows to top warlords,” Ribadu said, naming notorious figures such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna among those eliminated. He said, “More than 50 leaders known as ‘Kachalas,’ over 70 deputy commanders, and hundreds of foot soldiers have been neutralised in targeted operations. Furthermore, over 35 warlords have surrendered as part of the government’s non-kinetic strategy, dubbed the ‘Kaduna Model’. He added that a new process, Operation Safe Corridor North West, has been introduced to support deradicalisation and reintegration. ‘Terrorists Surrendering’ Turning to the North-East, Ribadu said the counter-insurgency campaign has also recorded substantial gains. Over 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, while more than 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered. Security forces have recovered and destroyed at least 11,118 weapons and over 252,596 rounds of assorted ammunition. “Operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands, and other enclaves are ongoing,” he said, emphasising the focus on community resettlement and economic recovery. In the oil-rich Niger Delta, Ribadu reported that “security efforts have led to the dismantling of 1,978 illegal refineries and the destruction of 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens”. He said there has been a 47 per cent drop in infractions and that “for the first time in years, all pipelines are now green—fully operational”. “Production has risen to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day,” Ribadu said, noting that oil production in Ogoniland is also set to resume after more than three decades. He attributed these gains to Operation Delta Safe, a multi-agency security effort in the region. Cyber Crime The National Security Adviser also touched on the government’s response to emerging threats in cyberspace. He cited the Binance investigation as a catalyst that prompted a crackdown on criminal activities linked to cryptocurrency platforms. “Many suspicious accounts connected to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been shut down,” Ribadu said. He disclosed that a new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been approved and is currently being implemented. According to him, the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now actively supporting military and law enforcement investigations across the country. Addressing broader challenges, Ribadu said Nigeria continues to grapple with global threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organised crime, as well as regional instability in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. He stressed that climate change and the proliferation of small arms are aggravating insecurity in neighbouring countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. “Since May 29, 2023, significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape,” he asserted. According to him, enhanced intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and strengthened security operations have begun to stabilise key hotspots and reduce casualties. Ribadu emphasised that inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance remain critical to achieving long-term peace and stability. The APC National Summit was attended by 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 chieftains, and other high-ranking officials.
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