- Ribadu: we will defeat terror
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah yesterday warned of the dangers of giving arms to communities in bid to battle insecurity.
He said: “There is a growing belief that communities can defend themselves by arming up.
“But arms will not solve our problems. They offer a false sense of security. And when peace returns, where will those weapons go?”,Rev Kukah said at a security event in Abuja.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defeat terrorism and restore order.
He said: “We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender.”
They spoke during a national dialogue on “A whole-of-society approach to the prevention of violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria.”
It was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The high-level gathering brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, security experts, civil society and policy makers to explore new strategies for stabilising Northern Nigeria and strengthening national cohesion.
Ribadu said the Tinubu Administration had intensified security reforms, strengthened intelligence-led operations and deepened community-based early-warning systems, resulting in thousands of insurgents surrendering and hundreds of convictions.
He declared that Nigeria will not surrender its future to violent criminals.
Ribadu stressed that lasting peace will remain elusive unless citizens, communities and institutions collaborate actively with the government.
He said: “We have recorded 775 convictions in terrorism-related prosecutions.
“Each one represents not just a statistic, but a life restored and a community stabilised.
“These achievements reflect what becomes possible when government institutions, the judiciary, security agencies and communities work together in good faith.”
He warned that anyone attempting to destabilise the country would face the consequences.
The NSA added: “Let me be clear. Any individual or group who exploits communities, spreads terror or attempts to undermine national unity will face decisive action.
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“Nigeria remains fully committed to law, order and the protection of citizens.”
Despite the challenges, he insisted that Nigeria remains resilient.
“Our country has gone through difficult periods, perhaps more than many nations, but we are still standing.
“We are the only functioning democracy in the Sahel region, and we must protect that achievement.”
Ribadu, however, cautioned against complacency.
He said the dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes.
“Sustainable peace requires that discussions like this should not end with speeches.
“We must translate them into concrete, measurable actions that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust and improve security across Northern Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He also emphasised that security begins from the grassroots, not at the federal level.
Appealing for patience and cooperation from traditional and religious leaders, the NSA added: “We are going through painful times, but this phase will pass.
“I ask for continued prayers, understanding and moral leadership. We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender.”
Kukah opposes arming of communities
Bishop Kukah faulted growing calls to arm communities as a way of tackling banditry and terrorism.
The bishop said insecurity in Nigeria is rooted in deeper social and moral crises that weapons cannot fix.
“Nigeria has too many underlying ailments – unstable homes, fragmented communities, weakened moral foundations.
“These vulnerabilities are the fertile soil in which bandits and criminals thrive.”
Rev Kukah said Nigeria must recognise that the country has “hit rock bottom,” but added that hitting the bottom also signifies the start of a recovery.
“The scale and depth of our insecurity show that we have reached the lowest point. The good news is that the only direction left is upward,” he said.
The bishop emphasised that Nigeria must turn its diversity from a burden into a national asset.
He said: “If diversity were a liability, America would not be what it is today.
“Nigeria is blessed with extraordinary diversity. Our challenge is to harmonise it, not weaponise it.”
He also stressed that peace “cannot be outsourced,” adding: “Peace is the collective work of all of us. It begins with individuals, families, communities and societies. If each of us seeks peace where we are, the nation will benefit.”
He urged the government to lead with humility, transparency and justice, and called on religious and traditional leaders to confront extremism within their own communities.
Rev Kukah also highlighted the crucial, often under-recognised role of women.
He said: “Women make up the majority of our population, yet many lack a voice, not because of numbers, but because voice means participation and representation.
“We cannot build peace while excluding half of our population.”
Sultan: no conflict between Islam, Christianity
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue, humility and mutual respect, describing the country’s diversity as “an asset, not a problem.”
He declared: “There is no conflict between Islam and Christianity.
“The problem is not religion; it is individuals.
“If each person follows the teachings of their faith sincerely, peace is possible.”
Drawing from his military background and experience in the Middle East, he warned against extremist interpretations of religious texts.
He said: “A true Muslim cannot be an extremist. Any text that is twisted to justify violence is a distortion of our faith.”
The Sultan underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue, education and honest engagement across communities.
He said: “We must continue to talk, to learn and to listen.
“Only through truth, humility and mutual understanding can we build a Nigeria that is peaceful, prosperous and united.”
He hailed the National Peace Committee for sustaining national conversations that promote harmony beyond electoral crises.