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  • Fed Govt taking strong actions against oil vandals — Ribadu

    Fed Govt taking strong actions against oil vandals — Ribadu

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has reassured Nigerians that the federal government is taking strong actions against oil vandals threatening national assets and local communities.

    The NSA Nuhu Ribadu gave the assurance on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to appraise the company’s operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Energy, Security and Finance, Mr. Amakiri Harry-Young, the NSA revealed that a special committee comprising investigative and prosecuting teams had been working round the clock to ensure offenders face justice.

    He stated that over 100 suspects had already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to Port Harcourt prison.

    He said the move followed concerns raised during a previous meeting about the arrest and quick release of oil vandals, which often leads to further insecurity in affected communities.

    Ribadu emphasised that the administration was fully committed to achieving the national oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day.

    He stated: “The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal.

    “That success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved.”

    In his opening address, the PINL Consultant, Communities Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said that the PINL had recorded major successes in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) through close collaboration with host communities, government security agencies, and other key stakeholders.

    Read Also: Ribadu urges effective ECOWAS measures to counter IED threats

    He also stated that by investing in community needs, resolving disputes, and restoring the environment, PINL had helped reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    He noted that the result had been near-zero infractions on the pipeline, improved crude oil production, and greater investor confidence, all contributing to increased national revenue.

    Mezeh also said that in addition to strengthening local ties, PINL had also supported economic empowerment, ensured regular payment of surveillance guards, and promoted safety by deploying military camps and porta cabins.

    Also, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Ijaw communities had always supported Nigeria’s unity and economic stability, even taking the lead in the management of pipelines through companies like PINL.

    He urged full support for PINL, emphasising that any success in protecting pipelines should also credit the Ijaw people.

    Prof. Okaba criticised the current terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially the three per cent allocation to host communities, calling it an insult.

     He called for better agreements and full respect for such terms by both the company and the federal government.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of the host communities in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa local government areas, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) WSJ Igbugburu X, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, praised the company for its consistent engagement with stakeholders.

    The respected monarch commended PINL for setting an example in community involvement, noting that no other pipeline surveillance firm operating in the region had shown such commitment.

    He urged the federal government, especially the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to also hold regular meetings with stakeholders and surveillance companies to help reduce pipeline vandalism and boost oil production.

    He further called on other surveillance firms to rise to the occasion and work collectively to eliminate criminal activities in oil-producing communities.

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  • Ribadu to deliver OOU 9th Oba Adetona annual lecture as monarch clocks 91 Saturday

    Ribadu to deliver OOU 9th Oba Adetona annual lecture as monarch clocks 91 Saturday

    Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, will on Saturday, May 10, host the 9th edition of the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture in honour of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who turns 91 on the same day.

    The lecture, titled “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences,” will be delivered by the National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    The event will take place at the Ogbagba Hall of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (NIPSS-OSKASOGS) on the university campus.

    According to a statement by Niyi Oduwole, Deputy Registrar for Corporate Affairs at OOU, the event will begin with an opening address by Princess Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, Chairperson of the Governing Board of the Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance.

    Read Also: Ribadu urges effective ECOWAS measures to counter IED threats

    Remarks will also be delivered by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola.

    Oba Adetona, a major benefactor of the institution, endowed a ₦1 billion Professorial Chair in Governance at the university’s Department of Political Science in 2016, demonstrating his commitment to education, good governance, and national development.

    Since its inception, the Annual Professorial Lecture Series has become a prestigious platform for engaging critical issues in governance, drawing leading voices from academia, government, and both public and private sectors.

    The monarch’s contributions to OOU include the establishment of the School of Governance Studies, construction of residential facilities for scholars, key road infrastructure, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, among other philanthropic projects.

  • Ribadu urges effective ECOWAS measures to counter IED threats

    Ribadu urges effective ECOWAS measures to counter IED threats

    National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has called for effective mechanisms to enhance ECOWAS countries’ ability to prevent and counter terrorist Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups.

    He said terrorism knows no bounds, stressing that collaborative efforts by key stakeholders are crucial to confronting and defeating the menace.

    Ribadu said this on Tuesday at the opening of the Stakeholders meeting on Consolidating Collaborative Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Acquisition and Use of IED by Terrorist Groups in West Africa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Represented by Mohammed Sanusi, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NSA said the regional meeting serves as a platform for all members to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in addressing the threats of IEDs.

    He said: “We aim to develop effective mechanisms to enhance our ability to prevent and counter the use of IEDS.

    “The recommendations that will emerge from this meeting are vital in sharing and shaping our strategies and initiating efforts to safeguard our communities from IED.”

    While commending the partners for their dedication in strengthening their collective efforts in combating terrorism, Ribadu encouraged participants to actively engage in discussion, get ideas, and work towards solutions that would help them on how counterterrorism could affect communities in the West African region

    Earlier, Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, emphasised that African countries must take adequate measures to make the fight against terrorism effective.

    He said the measures should not involve the prevention and dismantling of IEDS, but proactive and preventive actions that will deconstruct them and promote coordination, cooperation, and adaptation to new threats.

    He said, “It is also worth recalling, on a broader point, the debate at the United Nations Security Council on the fight against terrorism in Africa.

    Read Also: Ribadu: A break from the past

    “It served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the alarming rise of terrorism in Africa and to reaffirm the urgent need to live it in the global interest and to revive international momentum to address this crisis that now threatens security and development in our continent at this time.

    “The efforts of our group to strengthen West African capacities take into account local and regional realities and require the reaffirmed commitment of the international community and its determination to combat the use of improvised explosive devices.”

    German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, represented by the Head of Political Division, Mathias Dold, said the global trend of weaponising commercial drones tended to jeopardise much of the impressive progress that many countries had made in bringing back stability.

    He commended the Government of Nigeria for hosting the event, adding that the German Government and the European Union had continued to support numerous activities that contribute to non-kinetic efforts to prevent and combat violent extremism, such as the integrated border stability mechanisms for West Africa

  • Tinubu issues fresh security directives, says ‘enough is enough’ – Ribadu

    Tinubu issues fresh security directives, says ‘enough is enough’ – Ribadu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued new directives to security and intelligence chiefs to restore peace and stability in parts of the country plagued by violent attacks.

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu announced this to journalists on Wednesday after an emergency security and intelligence meeting at the President’s official residence in the State House, Abuja. 

    The high-level meeting attracted the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Gen. Emmanuel Undianeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    “It was a very detailed and exhaustive briefing session with Mr. President. He has been closely monitoring developments, even while away, and today we had the opportunity to fully update him. He listened attentively and gave new directives. He is deeply committed to achieving peace and security across the country,” Ribadu said. 

    According to the NSA, the President directed the security agencies to step up coordination with local authorities in areas currently experiencing insecurity, particularly Plateau, Benue, and Borno States. 

    Read Also; Police detain prime suspects in Niger over vigilante member’s death

    He emphasised that the fight against insecurity must involve collaboration with subnational actors.

    “Insecurity is not just a federal government issue. It involves sub-units, state and local governments, because they are closest to the people.

    ” Mr. President has instructed us to work more closely with governors, traditional rulers, and community leaders, especially where issues are rooted in local conflicts,” Ribadu noted. 

    The NSA stated that security and intelligence chiefs had recently conducted visits to the troubled regions on the President’s orders, meeting with political and community stakeholders to assess the situation firsthand and implement appropriate interventions.

    “He [President Tinubu] insisted that enough is enough. He wants to see results. All the security arms—military, police, intelligence services—are fully deployed and working round the clock. We believe we’re on the right track, and though not everything is fully resolved, significant improvements have been made,” Ribadu added. 

    While acknowledging persistent challenges, particularly in the North-East where remnants of terrorist groups remain active, Ribadu stressed that the nature of insecurity is evolving and that efforts must remain adaptive.

    “Borno State has recently seen a spike in incidents, particularly due to IEDs planted by insurgents. These are evil actors who strike opportunistically when things appear calm. But we have men and women who are working tirelessly, sacrificing sleep, family, and comfort to keep the country safe. Their efforts must be acknowledged,” he explained. 

    Ribadu urged Nigerians to consider the progress made in security over the past year, stating that while every life lost is deeply mourned, the overall trajectory remains positive.

    According to him: “security is relative. You compare what was happening before and what is happening now. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are moving forward. We will not relent until we achieve lasting peace.”

    Ribadu concluded by reaffirming the commitment of all security agencies to carry out the President’s directives and ensure a secure environment for all Nigerians.

  • Ribadu: Has insecurity reduced by 90% in Nigeria?

    Ribadu: Has insecurity reduced by 90% in Nigeria?

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently claimed that the country has recorded over 90% improvement in security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He made this assertion in Jos, Plateau State, during a press briefing following a strategic meeting with the commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. The meeting was convened after a deadly gunmen attack on the Bokkos community, which tragically claimed the lives of hundreds of residents.

    Ribadu’s statement, given the context of recent violence, sparked mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. Critics argue that the NSA’s comments are aimed at shaping public perception as politicking for 2027 general elections approaches. They view the remarks as part of a broader political narrative to build confidence in the administration. On the other hand, supporters commend Ribadu for leading an effective national security strategy, asserting that the improvements are tangible and worth acknowledging.

    However, beyond partisan sentiments and political interests, it is essential to examine Ribadu’s claim from an objective standpoint, grounded in verifiable data and realistic context. Security issues are too critical to be reduced to rhetoric, hey must be measured by real outcomes that affect the lives of everyday Nigerians.

    Regardless of our political leanings, there have been undeniable improvements in some of Nigeria’s most dangerous zones. For example, the Birnin Gwari–Lagos highway in Kaduna State, which was shut for nearly a decade due to the menace of armed bandits, has now reopened to motorists, especially heavy-duty vehicles that previously avoided the route. The once-abandoned Birnin Gwari cattle market, inactive for over 10 years, is now gradually returning to life with commercial activity.

    Similarly, the Abuja–Kaduna highway, previously infamous for rampant kidnappings and ambushes, is now operational 24 hours under constant military and police surveillance. Other major highways, such as the Kaduna–Kano expressway and the Jos–Akwanga–Lafia–Abuja corridor, now also witness 24-hour vehicular movement, marking a sharp contrast to the fear and hesitation that characterized travel in these areas just a few years ago.

    Still, it’s important to remember that security is both delicate and dynamic. A full year of relative peace can be overshadowed by a single horrific incident. Groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit factions, such as the Lakurawa and Ansaru cells, still carry out attacks on soft targets in rural and semi-urban areas. While the overall frequency and scale of these attacks may be decreasing, their sporadic nature continues to pose serious challenges.

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    Between 2022 and 2024, several Nigerian security and intelligence agencies have reported significant gains. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) indicated a 65% reduction in overall crime and criminality nationwide since May 2023. This figure is based on cumulative data from military operations, police reports, and inter-agency assessments.

    The Department of State Services (DSS), particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recorded a significant decline in high-profile crimes, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and terrorist threats, through 2023 and into early 2024.

    The Nigeria Police Force also published extensive data on its security efforts: between 2023 and early 2024, police operations led to the arrest of 30,313 suspects linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and banditry. In the same period, 1,984 illegal firearms were recovered, along with 23,250 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 1,581 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued across various states.

    The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has long fuelled Nigeria’s insecurity. However, between 2022 and 2024, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) recorded historic achievements. In February 2023, the centre announced that it had recovered more than 10,000 small arms and light weapons from non-state actors during nationwide disarmament operations. By February 2024, the total number of retrieved weapons had increased to 20,000 firearms and over 60,000 units of ammunition.

    Furthermore, in September 2024, the NCCSALW undertook the destruction of 30,132 recovered weapons, ranging from decommissioned and unserviceable arms to illicitly owned firearms.

    The Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the army, have recorded notable achievements over the past three years. Between 2022 and 2025, military operations led to the neutralization of more than 8,034 terrorists across various theatres of operation, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North-central regions. In February 2024 alone, 105 terrorists were eliminated and 140 arrested during targeted counterterrorism operations.

    A total of 6,376 kidnapped victims were rescued from insurgent enclaves and bandit hideouts in 2024 alone, thanks to joint operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and local vigilante groups. These successes have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to respond to threats.

    Additionally, by December 2024, the Nigerian military had dismantled numerous terrorist camps and degraded operational capabilities of insurgent groups in several flashpoints. More than 20 high-profile bandit leaders and commanders were eliminated in precision operations.

    These individuals had long terrorized communities, operated illegal taxation systems, and masterminded large-scale abductions. Their deaths signal a turning point in Nigeria’s war against insecurity—at least in the short to medium term.

    Critics, supporters, and objective observers alike hold valid perspectives on Ribadu’s claim. Security cannot be judged solely by statistics or isolated incidents—it must be assessed holistically, with a view to sustainability. While it would be inaccurate to declare total victory over insecurity, the data and field reports suggest that Nigeria is making measurable, strategic progress.

    As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex internal threats, public expectations remain high. Citizens want not just temporary relief but long-term stability. Ribadu’s statement may be politically timed, but the figures back up his assertion, at least in terms of trend and direction. Whether or not one agrees with the 90% figure, one thing is clear: the tide appears to be gradually turning in favour of the state. The challenge now is to sustain these gains, institutionalize reforms, and ensure that security is not just perceived, but lived—by every Nigerian, in every part of the country.

    •Muhammad writes from Abuja.

  • Ribadu handover, Gen. Tsiga, Amb. Yohanna, 17 other kidnap victims to families 

    Ribadu handover, Gen. Tsiga, Amb. Yohanna, 17 other kidnap victims to families 

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, handed over Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Rtd.), Ambassador Gideon Yohanna, and 17 kidnap victims to their families.

    Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was kidnapped on February 5, 2025, in his hometown of Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, alongside nine others, while Ambassador Yohanna, a former Deputy Chief of Mission to Pictorial, South Africa, was kidnapped in January in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Tsiga, Yohanna and 17 others were rescued recently through joint military operations, after they had spent months in captivity.

    Speaking during the handing over of the kidnap victims at National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), a unit under the NSA officer, Ribadu said successful rescue of the victims was due to the efforts of the military and other security forces. 

    He said: “We have done a couple of hand overs in the past as a result of the work of our armed forces and other security services, we are able to rescue and bring back.

    “Now we have done it again. This time, it involves very powerful and important personalities who serve this country and who did well for all of us. General Tsiga was in charge of our NYSC at a time, and he did a good job. Our Ambassador Yohanna is also here and a couple of others. Bad things happen to good people. That’s how life is all about. But evil will not prevail. It’s a matter of time.

    Read Also: Governors, FEC, ministers, NSA Ribadu greet Muslims

    “We thank God for their lives and we are grateful to those who made their rescue possible.”

    The NSA assured the that operations to rescue all kidnap victims from caprivatity was an going efforts by the present administration. He added that the military and other security forces will not relent in their efforts to rescue all victims.

    He said: “This is an ongoing and continuous effort. We are doing it quite silently. We will go after the bad ones. This is not the end of the story. These people have been rescued, but those perpetrators of this evil will pay for it, dearly. The work we are doing today is a work in progress. We are not there yet. 

    “But significant achievements have been made. Under the leadership of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Little by little. Very good steps are taken. One year, ten months and we have literally changed the whole narrative. Now the bad people are feeling it. And we will not relent. We are not going to be tired. We will not stop until we see the end of this.

    “Not many people know what is going on. We lose lives in the course of doing this work. Many members of our security forces have paid the supreme price. May their gentle souls rest in peace. Those were the people who have sacrificed their lives in the course of doing what you have seen now.”

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, also assured that the military would ensure that all kidnap victims across the country and reunite them with their families.

    He said: “I want to especially thank the NSA for providing the platform for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to work properly in synergy in ensuring that Nigeria is safe and secure. And this comes especially from the mandate of Mr. President, who has provided the needed resources, vision, and leadership for us to work well.

    “As we celebrate those of them that are here today, I want to assure Nigeria that we will not sleep until every Nigerian is free in this country. And as a warning to all those who don’t mean us well, that we will not allow them to sleep well. We will go after them wherever they are, and we can see that we are getting results. One year, ten months, Nigeria is getting better. 

    “It’s not going to be automatic, but together as Nigerians we’ll take this challenge as a Nigerian challenge, and we must all put our hands together to ensure that we have success. We should support Mr. President, support and the security agencies. Anybody who sees anything going wrong, please report to us. We want every Nigerian to feel free in his own country to enjoy the benefits of being Nigerians.

  • Ribadu: Standing tall against malicious attacks

    Ribadu: Standing tall against malicious attacks

    • By Abdulrahman Usman Leme

    The dilemma of leadership in a system where compromise is the currency of the day is that integrity becomes a burden. Those who refuse to bend to the whims of corrupt power players or stand on their principles find themselves the target of campaigns to undermine them. This has been the test before the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in the past few weeks. Yet, once again, his record of service has proven to be his greatest shield. This is the price to pay for being a man in the arena, only that he’s not there to fight his detractors. His job is one that doesn’t even afford him the luxury of shifting his gaze away from his target—those who undermine Nigeria’s security.

    These distractions are, at best, a calculated strategy to create tension and systematically target President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key men. The futility of this reflects in the triumphs the NSA has been recording in national assignments, particularly his coordination of the armed forces. The sustained degradation of bandits and terrorists, for instance, has forced them into retreat, while stability in the Niger Delta has improved through strategic dialogue and consultation. Another key example is the recent engagement with Ogoni leaders, which signalled the long-awaited resumption of activities in Ogoniland after years of stagnation. Similarly, in the Southeast, a gradual return to stability is evident. Nobody who does his job has the luxury of partaking in politics.

     It’s easy to tell those who don’t truly know Ribadu’s track record. He never buys into the showmanship that could keep his gaze away from his target. This is why it was easy for Nigerians to call out the Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who had alleged that Ribadu sought a bribe from him and even made a ridiculous claim that the pay-out was to fund his political ambition. The allegation was met with scepticism and absolute refutation from objective and non-partisan Nigerians—not only because the accuser lacks a shred of evidence but also because he fundamentally misjudged the character of the man he sought to malign.

     Ribadu is a name synonymous with anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. He has spent decades demonstrating an incorruptible commitment to public service. His reputation is not built on propaganda or media manipulation but on a long record of verifiable actions, including his well-documented rejection of a $15 million bribe from former Delta State governor, James Ibori while serving as pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). That moment, etched in Nigeria’s anti-corruption history, was not an isolated event but a reflection of Ribadu’s principles.

     So, imagine believing that a man who rejected a $15 million bribe in his 40s—when he was supposedly more vulnerable—would now solicit a bribe from an employee of a foreign company during a highly publicised trial with the entire world watching. The absurdity is staggering. Only the gullible would fall for the desperate fabrications of a drowning man whose company has been caught red-handed sabotaging Nigeria’s financial security and infrastructure. Malam Nuhu Ribadu’s record speaks for itself, but as he once said, “When you fight corruption, corruption fights back.”

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     Even staunch critics of the government have found the allegations laughable. Professor Farooq Kperogi, a well-known public intellectual and an uncompromising critic, put it succinctly: “There’s plenty to critique about Ribadu (who among us is a saint?), but believing that a man who once turned down a literal $15 million cash bribe—and who, as a security expert, knows his words will be dissected like a crime scene—would casually shake down a detainee for billions and helpfully explain what the money is for?”

    Kperogi’s assessment reflects the incredulity of discerning Nigerians who understand the difference between genuine whistleblowing and a clumsy attempt to deflect accountability. What we are witnessing is not an exposé of corruption but a desperate stunt by an executive whose company, Binance, has been implicated in financial crimes both in Nigeria and globally. This was why solidarity with Ribadu, even from unusual quarters, has been swift. The Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), representing over 250 civil society organisations, categorically denounced the accusations, rolling out Binance’s long history of financial misconduct across multiple jurisdictions. The company, already banned and fined billions of dollars in other countries, is hardly a paragon of credibility.

    Notably, one of his most recent critics, who attacked him over a comment he allegedly made in 2006, later campaigned for him in 2011 when he ran as the ACN presidential candidate—five years after the alleged remarks—under the very platform of the person he supposedly criticised. This pattern is not uncommon; as seen with that woman and many who followed her lead in stirring controversy, those with questionable records often seem to be the loudest voices in our political landscape today. Their inconsistencies and constant flip-flopping are familiar patterns and should not come as a surprise—they are best ignored.

    The battle ahead for Ribadu isn’t these inconsequential attempts at distraction as corruption fights back. The battle is his patience in resisting the bait from local actors who have misjudged his character and seek to drag him into unnecessary controversies. This was made clear in his statement reacting to an interview by Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Rather than dignifying the claims with a lengthy rebuttal, Ribadu emphasised his focus on his national assignment and his refusal to be drawn into petty media battles. This response typifies his personality because the enemies are not those who assume they are his target. The enemies are the bandits, terrorists, and their accomplices and enablers who threaten the entire nation.

    Ultimately, Ribadu’s greatest defence is not in rebutting these baseless allegations from estranged friends and proxies but in the weight of his own history. His non-response to Malam El-Rufai is inspired by his conviction that the smear campaign against him is bound to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions—just as others before it have. This is a strong message to all.

    •Leme, a project management and development consultant, writes from Abuja.

  • Ribadu: What Gambaryan did not know

    Ribadu: What Gambaryan did not know

    • By Sylvester Oseghale

    Sir: A few days ago, Tigran Gambaryan, an embattled executive of Binance, the American cryptocurrency exchange firm, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his account of his incarceration in Nigeria. His narrative was wild, filled with allegations of bribery solicitation, and it sparked heated conversations across social media. Among the names he dragged into the fray was National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu—a move that has since been met with widespread scepticism and scrutiny.

    While Gambaryan might have gotten away with claiming that three members of the House of Representatives asked him for bribes, his attempt to implicate Ribadu was where he lost the script. This misstep revealed a glaring lack of research and a naïve assumption that such allegations would be swallowed whole without question or demand for evidence. The inclusion of Ribadu in his tale of corruption not only strained credibility but also exposed Gambaryan’s ignorance of the man’s reputation and the office he holds.

    It is nothing short of ridiculous to suggest that Ribadu who has built a career on integrity and incorruptibility would demand “billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition.” This claim alone betrays Gambaryan’s lack of understanding of Ribadu’s antecedents. Ribadu’s reputation as an incorruptible public servant is not a recent fabrication; it has been tested and proven over decades. One of the most telling examples of his integrity dates back to his younger years when, as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he rejected a $15 million bribe from James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State. If Ribadu could resist such a staggering sum at a time when he was most vulnerable to temptation, it defies logic to believe he would compromise his principles now, at the pinnacle of his career and with nothing left to prove.

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    The irony of Gambaryan’s allegations is further highlighted by the fact that Ribadu, as a seasoned security expert, understands the weight of his words and actions. Every statement he makes is scrutinised like a crime scene, and every decision is subject to intense public and institutional oversight. To suggest that he would casually shake down a detainee for billions and openly explain the purpose of the funds is not only implausible but also laughable.

    Professor Farooq Kperogi, a respected critic and public intellectual, aptly captured the absurdity of Gambaryan’s claims when he wrote: “There’s plenty to critique about Ribadu (who among us is a saint?), but believing that a man who once turned down a literal $15 million cash bribe—and who, as a security expert, knows his words will be dissected like a crime scene—would casually shake down a detainee for billions and helpfully explain what the money is for?”

    Kperogi’s words underscore the incredulity of Gambaryan’s narrative and the sheer implausibility of his allegations.

    What we are witnessing is not a genuine exposé of corruption but a desperate stunt by a man caught exploiting Nigeria’s electronic finance infrastructure and intelligence. Gambaryan’s allegations are a diversionary tactic designed to tilt public opinion away from the actual facts of the case: that Binance was accused of money laundering and facilitating criminal activities in Nigeria. The charges against Binance were not dropped because the company was found innocent; they were dropped because the U.S. government intervened to secure its release.

    Gambaryan’s attempt to portray himself and his colleagues as victims of an oppressive system is disingenuous at best. The truth is that Binance colluded with individuals who had sinister agendas to undermine Nigeria’s sovereign integrity. The company facilitated the laundering of money to the detriment of the very Nigerians Gambaryan now seeks to mislead on social media. If Binance were truly innocent, why did Gambaryan’s colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escape from detention to evade justice in an open court? This act alone speaks volumes about the company’s culpability and the lengths to which its executives are willing to go to avoid accountability.

    In the end, Gambaryan’s allegations against Ribadu are not just unfounded; they are a calculated attempt to exploit Nigeria’s image crisis for personal gain. By fabricating tales of corruption, Gambaryan hoped to divert attention from Binance’s own transgressions and cast himself as a victim. Fortunately, he does not have the evidence to support such claims. In law, as in reality, the burden of proof rests on the accuser.

    •Sylvester Oseghale,

    Abuja.

  • The fact of the past between El-Rufai and Ribadu

    The fact of the past between El-Rufai and Ribadu

    By Yushau A. Shuaib

    In the weeks leading up to the 2007 Kano State gubernatorial election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a prominent member of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet, visited Kano to mediate between Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The intervention came after a public feud between Shekarau’s administration and the EFCC over a report allegedly implicating the governor. At the time, any report from the anti-corruption agency that indicated wrongdoing could automatically disqualify a candidate from participating in elections. However, the constitutional authority to disqualify candidates rests with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), which is currently embroiled in controversy.

    Mallam Sule Yau Sule, the governor’s spokesperson, had dismissed the EFCC report alleging Shekarau’s involvement in corruption. Despite Sule’s refusal to retract his statement or apologise to the anti-graft agency, he eventually resigned from his position and traveled for Umrah. The matter was resolved, and Shekarau was re-elected as governor on April 14, 2007, securing 671,184 votes on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), defeating his closest rival, Ahmed Bichi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 629,868 votes.

    As a writer, I have previously examined the roles of El-Rufai and Ribadu, two influential Northern political figures who rose to prominence under President Obasanjo’s administration. Both were celebrated as bold reformers. El-Rufai was credited with transforming Abuja through urban planning, modernisation, and monetisation policies, which earned him a close advisory role with Obasanjo. Conversely, Ribadu spearheaded aggressive anti-corruption campaigns, exposing high-profile figures such as Inspector General Tafa Balogun and Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, reinforcing Nigeria’s global stance against corruption.

    Beyond their achievements, both were key members of Obasanjo’s influential Economic Team and played pivotal roles in the emergence of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2007 after the aborted Third-Term Agenda of Obasanjo.

    Contrary to expectations, Yar’Adua did not serve as a puppet of the Obasanjo administration. He reversed key policies, such as petroleum price hikes and taxation reforms, asserting his independence, and move that did not sit well with Elrufai and Ribadu.

    In my December 2009 article, “Still on El-Rufai and Ribadu on President Umaru Yar’Adua,” I explored the irony of their initial support for Yar’Adua, only to become some of his fiercest critics after his election. Speculations arose that El-Rufai and Ribadu had anticipated securing influential roles—possibly as Minister of Energy and Inspector General of Police, respectively—but were sidelined. Their subsequent disillusionment with Yar’Adua might have stemmed from their inability to influence his administration.

    For various reasons, both men eventually left the country and later actively campaigned for Yar’Adua’s resignation as his health deteriorated and political instability ensued. They returned to Nigeria after Yar’Adua’s death.

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    Strangely, many were unaware of their growing discord as they both vigorously campaigned for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidacy in 2023. However, their relationship took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu appointed Ribadu National Security Adviser, while El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination was abruptly halted. Many questioned why Ribadu did not intervene to assist El-Rufai in securing the ministerial position.

    Their friendship has worsened, marked by escalating public disputes. The conflict centers on El-Rufai’s claim that Ribadu lied about never accusing President Bola Tinubu of corruption during his EFCC tenure, citing 2006–2007 records. The rift deepened after Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad’s TikTok video accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, referencing his past criticisms of Tinubu. Ribadu’s lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji demanded a retraction and apology, calling the allegations baseless and damaging to Ribadu’s reputation.

    Speculation suggests that their relationship began to sour around 2010 when Ribadu accepted the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) presidential ticket for the 2011 elections without prior consultation with El-Rufai. This move reportedly led to feelings of betrayal and a subsequent estrangement. Despite their differences, both were seen together at various events, including weddings and burials, creating the impression of continued closeness. However, insiders noted that their personal and professional relationship had already fractured for over a decade.

    While Ribadu later defected to the PDP in his bid for the Adamawa governorship, he could not secure the ticket in 2015. In contrast, El-Rufai won his governorship election under the APC. There were also reports that El-Rufai attempted to help Ribadu secure a Senate seat in 2019, but Ribadu rejected the offer, opting instead to run for governor. Similarly, other reports claim that El-Rufai opposed Ribadu’s gubernatorial ambitions in Adamawa in the 2019 and 2023 elections despite being a major power broker in the ruling APC.

    Nuhu Ribadu, now a powerful figure as National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu, was surprisingly sidelined during the previous Buhari administration, much like Nasir El-Rufai’s current experience of being politically marginalized under Tinubu’s government.

    This reversal of fortunes has exacerbated their animosity, with El-Rufai allegedly aligning with opposition figures to challenge Ribadu.

    Unfortunately, a bond built on mutual respect and shared vision has degenerated into a spectacle of accusations and confrontations. For those who have consciously avoided engaging in partisan politics, this embarrassing political rivalry reinforces our decision to stay away from a landscape where friendships dissolve, and once-principled figures become unprincipled public actors.

    Rather than escalating their disagreements, both men should be reminded of their shared history and efforts in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Their actions today will shape their legacies and influence future generations.

    It is not too late for them to reflect on the camaraderie they once shared and their collective impact on public service reforms and the anti-corruption movement.

    I urge El-Rufai and Ribadu to sheath their swords and embrace peace, even if the ongoing drama is a strategic maneuver ahead of the 2027 elections. Reflecting on the alignments and realignments of political forces that culminated in the 2015 ouster of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, it is clear that nothing in politics is ever predictable.

    At this critical juncture, peace and political stability should precede personal rivalry. Both men have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development, and unnecessary feuds should not tarnish their legacies. Let them rise above their differences and focus on the greater good of the nation.

    Yushau Shuaib is the author of “An Encounter with the Spymaster” and “Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies” yashuaib@yashuaib.com

  • UPDATED: Ribadu hands over 59 rescued kidnap victims to Kaduna Govt

    UPDATED: Ribadu hands over 59 rescued kidnap victims to Kaduna Govt

    …says “we are bringing back peace to our country”

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday handed over 59 rescued kidnap victims to Kaduna state government.

    Ribadu handed over the rescued victims to the state government in his office in Abuja.

    The victims comprise 28 women, 24 men, and six children, while one is said to be hospitalised.

    According to the NSA, rescued victims were kidnapped by bandits and terrorists from various parts of Kaduna State, after being rescued along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

    He said the victims were rescued by security agencies in a combined operation, after they had spent over four months in kidnappers’ den.

    Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rescue other victims who are still in captivity.

    He said the rescued persons are going back to their homes after their rescue following pressure by security forces.

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    He said: “We believe it is a journey. Already a lot is taking place. We are restoring order and we are bringing justice. We are bringing back peace to our country. About 59 or so people will be handed over today. Last week, another number like this was handed over. It is going on through joint operations by all the security forces under the directives of Mr. President,”.

    He thanked the security forces for the rescue operations, and charged them to continue with their efforts to restore peace across the country.

    The CDS commended the Kaduna State Government for collaborating with the Federal Government for the safe rescue of the victims.

    He said: “Kaduna State is an example of what will be the result of working together between the Federal Government and states. It is probably one of the greatest achievements in the history of the government.

    “Kaduna was one of most abused state in terms of insecurity in the last couple of years, but today it is one of the freest because of the relationship that we were able establish between the Federal Government and the state.  

    “We want to thank Kaduna State Governor, particularly for his cooperation and indeed even lead in the initiatives that is getting us result,”

    Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, explained that the victims were recovered around Rajana general area, adding that they were abandoned by their captives following pressure from troops.

    Maj.-Gen Laka explained: “Based on intelligence that we’ve been collecting, the NSA directed us to tie up with one division, Nigerian Army, who is the lead in Kaduna, to conduct operations within the area which we’ve identified to rescue these people.

    “Due to the pressure from our security forces, the bandits abandoned them and ran for their lives and we were able to pick most of them from those camps, and the others found their way to the major road and to the police checkpoints.”

    In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Oluyede Olufemi, represented by Chief of Civil Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen Gold Chibuisi, thanked the Kaduna State Government for their support.

    Gen. Chibuisi said that all the security agencies were fully on board with the National Security Adviser, and would continue to work under his coordination to ensure that the mandate given to them in furtherance of the intent of President Bola Tinubu is fully actualized.

    The Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Liman Kila, commended the National Security Adviser and security agencies for their efforts in rescueing the kidnap victims.

    He said: “This is the second time we are coming here to receive freed captives.The last time was when we received over 40 rescued victims, and you can practically see that we have 58 before you now,”. 

    Sani thanked President Tinubu for ensuring that security is number one priority of his administration.