Abuja, Nigeria – National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu assumed leadership at a time when Nigeria was on the verge of total collapse, plagued by rampant insecurity, separatist violence, and economic breakdown.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18th Regular Course in Abuja on Friday, Ribadu painted a sobering picture of the nation’s past but assured that under Tinubu’s administration, significant gains have been made in stabilising the country.
“When this administration took office on May 29, 2023, the security situation was threatening the very cohesion, stability, and integrity of our Nigerian state,” Ribadu stated.
🔫 Security Achievements Under Tinubu
Ribadu outlined key statistics to support claims of national improvement:
- 13,543 terrorists and criminals eliminated in the North East.
- 124,408 Boko Haram fighters and families surrendered.
- 11,118 weapons and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition recovered.
- 120 bandit leaders eliminated in the North West and North Central.
These, according to the NSA, have marked a turning point in Nigeria’s anti-terror fight.
🛢️ Niger Delta: Oil Security Restored
He noted that Tinubu’s administration restored economic security in the oil-rich Niger Delta where oil production had plunged to a dangerous 1 million barrels per day (bpd).
“Today, oil output stands at 1.8 million bpd, all pipelines are operational, and 47% of oil theft operations have been shut down,” he said.
Key actions include:
- 1,978 illegal refineries destroyed
- 3,849 dug-out pits dismantled
- 3,773 illegal cooking ovens destroyed
Ribadu confirmed that oil production in Ogoni land—abandoned for over 30 years—will soon resume.
🚨 South-East Separatism Contained
Addressing violent separatist agitations by IPOB/ESN, Ribadu highlighted:
- Over 164 police stations attacked between 2020 and 2021
- 128 policemen killed, 144 injured
- 30 prison breaks executed, including the Umuahia jailbreak freeing 1,841 inmates
However, he stated that strategic military operations and community engagement have curbed the unrest. “Stay-at-home orders are increasingly ignored, and key IPOB/ESN commanders have been captured or neutralised,” he said.
🧱 Police Rebuilding Efforts
Over 50 destroyed police stations and formations have been rebuilt, Ribadu noted, adding that law enforcement is gradually returning to full functionality in volatile regions.
⚠️ Nigeria’s Pre-2023 Breakdown: Key Figures
- 35,000+ lives lost to Boko Haram
- 12,000+ killed by bandits
- 1 million displaced persons
- 1 million+ children out of school by late 2021
- Major attacks in 2022–2023 included:
- Kaduna-Abuja train bombing
- Guards Brigade ambush
- Owo Catholic Church massacre
- Kuje Prison break
Ribadu described these events as “blows to national morale,” affirming that decisive counter-insurgency has since turned the tide.
📈 Quote Summary from Ribadu:
“We inherited five intractable security challenges, but through coordinated strategy, the Tinubu administration has made measurable progress in defending Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty, and future.”
