By Asile Abel
In a nation besieged by multifaceted security challenges, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has emerged as a beacon of hope, a resolute leader, and a tireless peace builder, writes Tom Garba.
“Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Ribadu has demonstrated unparalleled leadership prowess, earning widespread votes of confidence from Nigerians across the North, East, and West.
“His innovative strategies, relentless pursuit of stability, and ability to navigate saboteurs’ efforts to undermine his work have positioned him as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s quest for peace and security.
“Despite the complexities of a vast nation grappling with terrorism, banditry, and economic sabotage, Ribadu’s steadfast commitment continues to inspire trust and optimism, as Garba eloquently notes.
Born on November 21, 1960, in Yola, Adamawa State, Ribadu’s journey to becoming NSA is a testament to his resilience and dedication. A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the pioneering chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from 2003 to 2007, Ribadu earned a reputation as an incorruptible anti-graft czar who fearlessly prosecuted powerful elites, including governors, ministers, and even the Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun.
Despite the complexities of a vast nation grappling with terrorism, banditry, and economic sabotage, Ribadu’s steadfast commitment continues to inspire trust and optimism
His tenure at the EFCC saw over 270 convictions and the recovery of billions of dollars, cementing his legacy as a formidable force against corruption. This illustrious background, Garba observes, equipped Ribadu with the expertise and moral authority to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, which he has approached with a blend of intelligence-led strategies, community engagement, and international collaboration.
Ribadu’s appointment as NSA marked a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, moving away from the traditional military-dominated approach to a holistic, intelligence-driven model.
As Blueprint Newspapers noted, skeptics initially doubted whether a former police officer could excel in a role historically reserved for military brass. Yet, Ribadu has silenced naysayers with a breathtaking pace of reforms, fostering unprecedented synergy among security agencies and dismantling bureaucratic silos that once hindered effective coordination.
Garba highlights that Ribadu’s leadership has led to the neutralization of over 15,000 terrorists and bandits, the surrender of 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, and the rescue of 6,376 kidnapped victims in 2024 alone, according to Blueprint reports.
These tangible achievements have restored public trust, particularly in the North-West, where banditry once held communities hostage.
Ribadu’s community-driven approach has been a game-changer,
In the North-East, Ribadu’s community-driven approach has been a game-changer, Garba notes. At the launch of the European Union’s Support for Disengagement, Review, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (SD3R) project in Abuja on March 14, 2024, Ribadu advocated for the reintegration of repentant non-state armed group members, emphasizing community sensitization and reconciliation to prevent new conflicts.
His collaboration with Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe governors has created an enabling environment for counter-terrorism efforts, fostering relative peace and enabling reconstruction in a region long ravaged by Boko Haram.
As Arise News reported, Ribadu’s focus on addressing mass illiteracy as a driver of extremism in the North highlights his nuanced understanding of insecurity’s root causes, earning him accolades from northern leaders who see him as a champion of their region’s stability. Garba praises this approach as a masterstroke, blending empathy with strategic foresight.
The North-West, plagued by banditry and kidnapping, has witnessed significant gains under Ribadu’s stewardship. Posts on X by users like @Mrr_Essy and @TheresaTekenah highlight the neutralization of notorious bandit leaders like Abubakar Mainok, Haruna Isiya Boderi, and Kachallah Damina, which have disrupted criminal networks and secured highways like the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
The absence of mass school abductions in recent months—a stark contrast to previous years—has been hailed as a major victory. Ribadu’s coordination of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, developed with support from the UK National Crime Agency, has enhanced rapid response capabilities, with dedicated emergency numbers facilitating timely interventions. These efforts, Garba writes, have earned Ribadu a vote of confidence from North-West communities, who now see hope for a post-banditry era.
These tangible achievements have restored public trust, particularly in the North-West, where banditry once held communities hostage
In the South-East and Niger Delta, Ribadu’s impact is equally profound. The reconstruction of over 40 police stations destroyed by criminals in the South-East and the steady increase in crude oil production in the Niger Delta, as noted by TheCable, reflect his ability to address region-specific challenges.
His operations against economic saboteurs, particularly targeting Binance for financial misconduct, demonstrate his commitment to neutralizing threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The dismantling of over 1,000 illegal refineries by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a 60% improvement in land border surveillance, as reported by Voice of Nigeria, underscore his focus on securing critical infrastructure and curbing illicit activities.
Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other
Garba describes these efforts as evidence of Ribadu’s ability to multitask across Nigeria’s diverse security challenges.
Ribadu’s leadership is not without challenges, as Garba acknowledges. Saboteurs, including those within the security apparatus and political circles, have sought to undermine his efforts through misinformation and resistance to reforms.
In a December 2024 interview with BBC, Ribadu refuted baseless allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilize the region.
His firm stance—“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other”—highlighted his commitment to regional unity and his ability to counter diplomatic sabotage. Within Nigeria, critics have questioned his association with controversial figures, as noted by Al Jazeera, suggesting that his political alliances could compromise his integrity.
Yet, Garba argues, Ribadu’s track record of results-driven governance has consistently overshadowed such criticisms, proving his ability to rise above detractors.
His proactive strategy integrates military, political, and socio-economic initiatives, as outlined by Blueprint Newspapers. Ribadu’s advocacy for youth empowerment, job creation, and inter-border cooperation reflects a forward-thinking approach that addresses insecurity’s root causes.
At the Voice of Nigeria Forum on June 3, 2025, he urged youths to take active leadership roles, stating, “The time to lead is now, not tomorrow,” a call that resonated across the East, West, and North, Garba notes.
The time to lead is now, not tomorrow
His emphasis on community-based initiatives, engaging traditional leaders and civil society, has fostered a sense of collective responsibility, as seen in the successful rescue of abducted students from Kuriga, Federal University of Gusau, and Kogi, coordinated by his office.
Ribadu’s international collaborations have further bolstered his effectiveness. The UK-Nigeria Security Defence Partnership Dialogue in February 2024, where he advocated for a comprehensive approach to insecurity, strengthened bilateral ties and secured resources for counter-terrorism.
His work with the EU on the SD3R project and the $13 million UNDP donation for North-West security initiatives demonstrate his ability to leverage global partnerships. These efforts, Garba writes, have not only enhanced Nigeria’s security capabilities but also positioned Ribadu as a respected figure on the international stage, capable of navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
The public’s vote of confidence in Ribadu is palpable across Nigeria’s regions. In the Niger Delta, ex-agitators under the Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND) praised his support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, passing a vote of confidence in his leadership, as reported by Leadership Newspaper.
Northern leaders, including Sokoto’s academic community, have lauded his focus on education as a counter to extremism, while South-Eastern stakeholders commend the restoration of security infrastructure. Posts on X, such as those by
Nuhu Ribadu has achieved what many of his predecessors have failed to accomplish despite the hundreds of billions spent in the name of defence and security in the past;Neutralisation of top bandit leaders,end to mass abductions of students in northern schools,Securing Rail lines…
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) November 15, 2024
, celebrate Ribadu as “the best National Security Adviser Nigeria has ever had,” citing the neutralization of top bandit leaders and the securing of rail lines as monumental achievements. Garba echoes this sentiment, describing Ribadu as a unifying force who transcends regional divides.
Ribadu’s ability to maintain focus despite saboteurs is a hallmark of his leadership, Garba emphasizes. His office’s coordination with the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC), and National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has made these institutions more responsive to emerging threats.
If you see something, say something”—has galvanized public participation, further thwarting saboteurs’ efforts to destabilize his initiatives
His efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit arms, as highlighted at the NCCSALW’s public destruction event on June 5, 2025, underscore his commitment to long-term stability.
Ribadu’s call for citizens to provide information to security agencies—“If you see something, say something”—has galvanized public participation, further thwarting saboteurs’ efforts to destabilize his initiatives.
Despite his achievements, Ribadu remains humble, often crediting President Tinubu’s strategic guidance and the dedication of security agencies. In a January 1, 2025, statement, he attributed 2024’s successes to Tinubu’s leadership and the collective vigilance of Nigerians, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.
As Nigeria navigates an ever-evolving security landscape, Ribadu’s multi-pronged approach continues to yield results. His claim of a 90% improvement in security, made in Jos on April 10, 2025, sparked debate, but the numbers—15,000 terrorists neutralized, 124,408 surrenders, and 11,118 weapons recovered—speak volumes.
Ribadu’s multi-pronged approach continues to yield results. His claim of a 90% improvement in security
Critics may question the exact figure, but the tangible reduction in violence, from fewer farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central to stabilized communities in the North-East, validates his impact, Garba asserts.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s tenure as NSA is a testament to his capacity, resilience, and vision, writes Tom Garba. Despite saboteurs’ attempts to undermine his efforts, he remains unrelenting, earning votes of confidence from Nigerians across all regions. His leadership prowess, rooted in intelligence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to peace, has reshaped Nigeria’s security landscape, offering hope for a safer, more stable nation.
Read Also: NUHU RIBADU, The Man You Can’t Hate, Writes Tom Garba.
