Tag: Ribadu

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has warned elders of the northern region against comments that could distract the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, from addressing the nation’s complex security challenges.

NCYP’s chairman, Isaac Abrak, said in a statement that Nigeria is at a defining moment. It faces complex security challenges that require unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage.

While describing the wave of attacks, criticisms, and deliberate misinformation being spread against the NSA as distractions meant to frustrate his efforts, NCYP advised those engaging in baseless attacks against the NSA, especially elders from the North who should be beacons of wisdom, to fear of God.

According to Abrak, “The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) wish to express our unwavering support for the National Security Adviser (NSA) as he continues to discharge his critical duty of safeguarding our nation’s security and providing strategic guidance to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We have observed with concern the wave of attacks, criticisms, and deliberate misinformation being spread against the NSA on social media and other platforms.

“While we acknowledge that public service—especially in such a sensitive and high-stakes role naturally attracts scrutiny, we strongly believe that his focus should remain on the bigger task of securing our nation rather than being distracted by detractors.

“Nigeria is at a defining moment, facing complex security challenges that require unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage. The NSA has demonstrated a resolute commitment to addressing these issues and working towards a safer and more stable Nigeria.

“The ongoing campaigns of calumny against him are nothing but a distraction, and we urge him to remain steadfast, knowing that true leadership often comes with criticism.

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“We also call on well-meaning Nigerians to reject the spirit of division and undue attacks on leaders working tirelessly to strengthen our nation. Constructive criticism is essential for growth, but malicious attacks that seek to undermine national security efforts should be discouraged.

“Furthermore, we advise those engaging in baseless attacks, especially some of our elders who should be beacons of wisdom, to remember the fear of God. Life is fleeting, and every individual will one day give an account before the Almighty.

“It is imperative to use one’s voice and influence for truth, justice, and the good of the nation rather than to spread division and falsehood. Let us all strive to leave a legacy of integrity, unity, and godly counsel for the younger generation.

“We encourage the NSA to keep his eyes on the ultimate goal—ensuring a secure Nigeria and supporting the President’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous nation. He should not waste his valuable time responding to baseless attacks but should instead draw strength from the knowledge that history will judge his work fairly.

“The Northern Christian Youth Professionals stand firmly in solidarity with the NSA and assure him of our continued prayers and support. We urge him to remain focused, unwavering, and committed to the great task ahead,” he said.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed strong disapproval over visa denial to Nigerian top military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), stating that the embassy “can go to hell” for their actions.

Ribadu expressed his disapproval at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), held at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday,

The NSA’s comment came after the CDS disclosed that he and his team were invited to Canada for an event honouring war veterans, but half of the delegation, including himself, was denied visas.

General Musa described the incident as “disappointing” but emphasised that it serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand strong as a nation” and not be taken for granted.

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He said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those who were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there. We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”

Ribadu commended Gen. Musa for speaking out about the incident.

 “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu said.

The NSA said that despite the disappointment, Nigeria is “peaceful and strong” and must work hard to overcome such challenges.

Ribadu praised Gen. Musa for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats in the country.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has reassured  of the government’s renewed focus on combating terrorism, violent extremism and other security threats.

He said the threats would be tackled through enhanced collaboration, innovative strategies, and proactive measures. 

The NSA, in a statement, on Wednesday , January 1, by the National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, acknowledged the resilience of the citizens in the face of security challenges and emphasizes the critical role of our collective effort in ensuring peace and stability. 

Ribadu attributed the successes achieved in 2024 to the exceptional leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whose political will, he said had extensively sustained security efforts across the country.

He said the President’s “strategic guidance, exemplary leadership, and untiring support to the Office of National Security Adviser provided the foundation for the progress made in enhancing national security.

The NSA also acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies in combating insecurity in the country in the past year.

“Your sacrifices in the front lines despite the harshest conditions, demonstrate staunch patriotism, courage, and dedication to safeguarding the Nation’s sovereignty and security,” he said 

Ribadu noted that the collective vigilance and cooperation of Nigerians have been instrumental in the fight against terrorism and other security threats, stressing that the successes recorded in the country’s efforts to enhancing national security were rooted deeply in the cooperation of the citizens and the military and security agencies.

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He said: “ The year 2024 brought its share of security challenges, including the resurgence of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group in the Northwest and acts of sabotage on critical national infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, by non-state actors. Despite these challenges, it is gratifying to note the tireless efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies in containing these threats and preventing further occurrences. 

These achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and state governors, whose commitment to strengthening our policy and legal frameworks across all levels of government have been critical in advancing our national security objectives. Your steadfast dedication and proactive engagement have also contributed immensely to effective decision-making and the successes recorded.

“I also commend the exemplary leadership, foresight, and dedication of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Director General of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the heads of other security and intelligence agencies for their unparalleled contributions to safeguarding our dear Nation. 

“Your sacrifices, tireless efforts, and dedication to duty do not go unnoticed. They are deeply appreciated and serve as a source of inspiration to all Nigerians. Additionally, the support of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as civil society organizations and international partners, has played a pivotal role in advancing our shared goals of national security and stability. We therefore remain steadfast in our resolve to protect the Nation and assure Nigerians of our tenacious commitment to ensuring their safety and security. “Security is everyone’s responsibility. 

“The fight against terrorism and criminality cannot be won without the active participation of citizens. I therefore implore you to promptly report any suspicious activities, movements, or characters to the appropriate authorities. If you see something, say something.”

“Looking to 2025, Ribadu reassures Nigerians of the renewed focus on combating terrorism, violent extremism and other serious organised crimes through enhanced collaboration, innovative strategies, and proactive measures.”

While highlighting recent advancements in the fight against insecurity to include the operationalization of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the NSA urged all security stakeholders and citizens to redouble their efforts in building a safer and more secure country. 

…says no foreign troops’ presence in Nigeria

…Niger citizens mock Tchiani

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of collaborating with France to shelter militants and planning attacks on Niger from northern Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the allegations as baseless and without merit, asserting that Nigeria would never undermine its neighbour or allow threats to emanate from its territory.

“Even during colonial times, Nigeria resisted foreign troops within its borders, unlike Niger, which accepted them. Why would we change our stance now?” Ribadu questioned, urging Niger’s junta to reconsider its assertions.

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The Nigerien leader had claimed that France had stationed troops in a location called “Canada” near Lake Chad in Borno State with Nigeria’s knowledge, intending to use the area as a launchpad for attacks. Ribadu challenged journalists to verify the claim, insisting that Nigeria remains focused on combating shared threats like terrorism rather than engaging in hostility.

He further cautioned Niger’s military rulers against replacing France with other foreign powers, warning that such actions would only shift the problem. Ribadu emphasized the need for cooperation between both countries to address security challenges and promote regional stability.

The comments come amid growing tensions following allegations by Niger’s junta that Nigeria is collaborating with European powers and officials from Niger’s ousted government to destabilize the country. 

The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied these claims, calling for peaceful relations between the neighbours.

Meanwhile, Niger’s President Tchiani has drawn sharp criticism and ridicule following his recent claims and speeches, with many questioning the credibility of his allegations and his grasp of geopolitics.

Social media footage in circulation revealed a Nigerien citizens mocking the military leader, questioning the credibility of his allegations and his grasp of geopolitics.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had achieved over 80 per cent success in its anti-kidnaping operations.

He said the success followed the sacrifices of the security agencies and the effective coordination by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Ribadu spoke at the operationalisation of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.

The NSA described kidnapping as one of the most pressing security threats, causing untold hardship among many families, disrupting economic activities, and posing a severe threat to national stability.

He said: “…In less than two years, we have achieved 80 per cent success. But we don’t talk about it. We have soldiers and personnel of other security agencies who are in the bush, sacrificing their lives to make this country a better place, to rescue it and take it back on track so that we will have a normal life.

“They are the unsung heroes; people don’t talk about them. It is easy to say things, but you don’t know what people are going through to get things done.

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“This menace demands a robust, multi-agency approach, which the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell embodies.”

Ribadu urged the personnel of the fusion cell, who were drawn from different security agencies and intelligence communities, to use their expertise in combatting kidnapping in any part of the country.

The NSA advised them to synergise and leverage the knowledge they had acquired to ensure that the multi-agency fulfilled its mission to protect Nigerians and communities.

“The Federal Government recognises the importance of your work, and I remain committed to providing the resources and backing needed to enable you to succeed,” he said.

NCTC National Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said Fusion Cell would serve as a “pivotal force in combating the menace of kidnapping by coordinating operational responses, analysing data to track trends, and building the capacity of security personnel”.

Laka recalled that between 2022 and 2024, the United Kingdom (UK), through the National Crime Agency (NCA), partnered the ONSA in providing capacity-building as well as in supporting the NCTC in setting up a kidnap fusion centre.

He said the outcome of the partnership culminated in the establishment of the cell with over 15 law enforcement agencies and stakeholders working together to fight kidnapping in the country.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu on Thursday said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved over 80 percent success in anti-kidnaping operations.

He said the success was as a result of sacrifices of the security agencies and effective coordination by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Ribadu said this at the operationalization of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The NSA said kidnapping remains one of the most pressing security threats in the country, which had caused untold hardship for countless families, disrupted economic activities, and posed a severe threat to our national stability. 

He said: “Within a short period of time, in less than two years, we have achieved 80 percent success. But we don’t talk about it. 

“We have soldiers and personnel of other security agencies who are in the bush, sacrificing their lives to make this country a better place to rescue it and take it back on track so that we will have a normal lives. 

“They are the unsung heroes, people don’t talk about them. It is easy to say things but you don’t know what people are going through to get things done.

“This menace demands a robust, multi-agency approach, which the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell embodies.”

He charged the personnel of the fusion cell which were drawn from different security agencies and intelligence communities to use their expertise and rise to the occasion to combat the menace of kidnapping in the country.

Ribadu also charged them to embrace synergy, leverage the knowledge they had have acquired to ensure the Cell fulfills its mission to protect Nigerians and communities. 

“The federal government recognizes the importance of your work, and I remain committed to providing the resources and backing needed to enable you to succeed,” he assured.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said Fusion Cell would serve as a “pivotal force in combating the menace of kidnapping by coordinating operational responses, analyzing data to track trends, and building the capacity of security personnel.”

Laka said that between 2022 and 2024, the United Kingdom, through the National Crime Agency (NCA) has partnered with the office of the National Security Adviser to provide capacity-building exercises as well as support to the NCTC for it to set up a kidnap fusion centre. 

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He said the outcome of the partnership culminated in the establishment of the cell with over 15 law enforcement agencies and stakeholders working together to fight kidnapping in the country.

Gen. Laka urged staff of the MAAKFC to be proficient in their roles and embrace the synergy that has been established through this initiative. 

He said: “Let innovation guide your efforts as you implement the training and knowledge acquired and demonstrate the professional skills that have been nurtured throughout the process. 

“You are entrusted with a critical responsibility, and I have no doubt that your collective efforts will be instrumental in making significant strides toward a safer Nigeria.”

The Operations Manager of the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Chris Crimsom, said the (MAAKFC) requires the cooperation of all Nigerians to succeed.

“With the buying-in of the public, with time we will see the results of what we do,” he said.