Tag: Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned those working to undermine the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states to rethink, saying that their action will be viewed as an attempt to subvert the democratic process in the country.

The NSA, who spoke at the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said while the commitment of President Tinubu to a peaceful election is unwavering, those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

Represented at the meeting by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Ribadu said security agencies will use every lawful means at their disposal to defend the integrity of the polls, adding that anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.

He assured that the Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.

He said: “The governorship election in Edo State is about a month away, and campaigns have begun in earnest, albeit with pockets of inter and intra-party squabbles.

“Accordingly, given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, the NSA, who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.

“We want to reassure you, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering. Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.

“To the voters in Edo State, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.

“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.

“Let’s move forward knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21st, 2024.”

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun assured that the security agencies were around the clock to ensure a peaceful election in both Edo and Ondo States.

Represented by Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, the IGP said security agents were working to ensure that non-state actors did not interfere with the process of the elections in the two States, assuring that the vote of the people would count.

He said: “The Nigeria Police Force is putting in place all measures required to ensure to ensure a peaceful election. We will be coordinating with other security agencies to ensure that both elections take place in a peaceful and orderly manner. We are conscious of the challenges that come with such elections and all resources are being deployed.

“We have complied and set aside from the police and other security agencies all officers that will partake in the election. We will do all we need to do. The issue of non-state actors attempting to interfere with the election will be eliminated.

“They are not constitutionally involved in the election and are not supposed to be part of it. We will continue to do what we need to do to assure the people of the two states and Nigerians that the election will be peaceful and our bites count”.

Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the period of electioneering campaigns by political parties is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes.

He said a peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election and asked political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach Election Day and beyond, saying party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.

Read Also: Ribadu reunites rescued family

Yakubu said: “For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections. Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.

“I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty. We are again including copies of the document in your folders for this meeting. The same document is available on our website as well as the websites of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies”.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, July 4, handed over 16 rescued kidnap victims to officials of the Zamfara state government.

Ribadu handed over the rescued persons to the state officials led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.

The victims, comprising eight males and eight females, were abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau in Zamfara state on April 22 before they were successfully rescued on June 27 in Shinkafi and Tsafe local government areas of the state by a team of security operatives of the NCTC. 

Read Also: Kano Emir crisis: Yusuf, Ribadu meet to restore peace

Speaking before handing over the rescued persons, the NSA reiterated the resolve of the present administration to rid the country of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of the security agencies in achieving the government’s vision of securing the country.

The NSA assured that no “stone would be left unturned” in ensuring a safe and resilient society.

He said: “The government is working assiduously with relevant authorities to close up ungoverned spaces that have continued to provide hiding places for criminal elements in the country.”

Earlier in his remarks, the national coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.- Gen. Adamu Laka, appealed to citizens to “always and timely report suspicious activities and characters to security operatives to engender proactive response.”

…says terrorism-related death increased by 22 in 41 countries

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for more integrated security strategies that combine military, economic and regional cooperation efforts to tackle the menace of terrorism in Africa.

Ribadu said there was a 22 percent increase in terrorism-related deaths in 41 countries, in 2023.

The NSA said this on Monday, April 22, at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting with the theme “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Africa”, in Abuja.

He said the theme of the meeting reflects the urgent need to confront the impacts of terrorism that continue to disrupt lives and threaten the collective security of all.

Ribadu added that Africa’s security landscape has continued to face the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism, especially between 2020 and 2023.

The NSA said the threats came from diverse terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in Northeast Nigeria, al Shabaab in Somalia and Islamic States in the Greater Sahara along the Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso border areas.

Others, he said, included the Allied Democratic Forces and Islamic State, the Central African province in DRC Congo and Mozambique.

He said that the terrorist groups exploited local vulnerabilities and contributed to ongoing instability that necessitated integrated security strategies that combined military, economic, and regional cooperation efforts.

According to him, terrorism in Africa is driven by foreign terrorist fighters, organise crime, prolonged conflicts, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade, high youth unemployment, porous borders, and inadequate policies.

He said: “Additionally, political instability, governance challenges, ethnic and religious tensions, economic inequality, and poverty also significantly contribute.”

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Ribadu said Nigeria has adopted strategies to address the threats within the country and in West Africa.

He said: “In response, Nigeria has brought in its strategic approach to address these evolving threats comprehensively. We are executing a robust strategy to combat terrorism across Nigeria and West Africa.

“This strategy focuses on enhancing military and security cooperation, standardizing legal frameworks, and improving local security measures.

“We are also implementing preventive measures, including programmes to counter violent extremism and initiatives for ballistic policies.

“Additionally, we are addressing the root causes of extremism through economy and social development initiatives and fostering regional and international cooperation.

“President Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to engaging communities through public awareness and media, aiming to maintain a secure and stable West African region through diverse and integrated approaches.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said the values, freedoms, hopes and aspirations of the continent are currently facing unprecedented threats as a result of terrorism.

Tuggar said the terrorists sought to destroy the institutions that facilitate stability, development, and progress.

Tuggar: ”Nations are fighting networks that know no boundaries or borders, where bombers and gunmen in one part of the world are financed from another, equipped from another, steal and picked targets without discrimination.”

The foreign minister said Nigeria had for years, pushed for greater cooperation to counter terrorism and tackle the proliferation of unregistered and untraceable small arms, which have reached 40 million in the hands of non-state actors in Africa.

He said: “While initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force, UN Security Council Resolution 2349, and Accra Initiative have been instrumental in addressing the threats of terrorism, the menace persists and there are new challenges.

“For this reason, today’s meeting is very significant indeed. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders within and beyond our continent to exchange best practices and knowledge.

“We need to understand better not just the particular threat we face, but to consider the underlying causes as well as the symptoms.

“Above all, we have the opportunity to come together as partners to defend our common values and the hopes and aspirations of our people from those who seek destruction and chaos.”

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has observed that Boko Haram and other extremist groups have over time exploited the menace of illiteracy among other vulnerabilities to lure youths and instigate insecurity in the region.

Ribadu also issued a stern threat, warning criminals to rethink, saying that the government would not fold its hands to allow disgruntled elements to disturb the peace of the nation.

He noted that the attendant illiteracy has made them susceptible to such groups who recruit them to drive insecurity in the region which was known for its peaceful nature.

Ribadu said: “These are driven by way of offering alternative narratives that promise belonging, purpose and at times financial benefits for coercion.”

Besides, Ribadu also identified in proliferation of small arms, corruption, and injustice are also responsible for insecurity.

He maintained that despite laws against unauthorized arms possession, the circulation of small arms and light weapons  (SALWs) was in the increase and rampant thus, fueling violence.

Ribadu stated on Thursday while delivering a pre- combined convocation lecture with the theme: Navigating the Maze: “Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria” at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Accordingly, the NSA and one-time EFCC Boss noted that educational disparities between the region and other parts of the region play a significant role in the dynamics of radicalization in the region.

Ribadu who observed that the educational gap in the region did not only restrict economic opportunities said it also heightened susceptibility to extremist ideologies and practices.

“This is why groups like  Boko Haram and other extremist organizations exploit to take advantage to exploit vulnerabilities by offering alternative narratives that promise belonging, purpose, and at times financial benefits for coercion he stated.

“The only practical and reliable approach to address and possibly end the menace is to come up with a realistic template of bridging the gap in school enrollment.”

Read Also: Aba power project: Arewa Think Tank commends Kalu, Nnaji, Ribadu

He said as he stressed was critical in countering radicalization and fostering a more stable and prosperous environment in the region.

While on the issue of farmers/ herders clashes, the NSA observed that the stigmatization of Fulani herders contributed to a circle of violence though, admitted that Nigeria’s security agencies were overstretched due to their limited number in the country while pointing out that security has tremendously improved under President Tinubu stressing that, a significant number of abducted school children had been successfully rescued without the payment of any ransom.

He disclosed: “It is a fact that the administration has improved security in the Niger Delta region which help in boosting oil production in the region.”