When Malam Nuhu Ribadu was appointed National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, the security situation in the country was at its worst as several communities were under siege by bandits and terrorists groups .
At that time, abductions for ransom.and other related vices like killings, rapes and torture were common.
The initial fears that a non-military personnel may not command respect as NSA to effectively handle the situation were quickly dispelled when Ribadu was confirmed, as no sooner had he assumed duty than he hit the ground running.
Even while initially trying to study the scope and nature of the problems, positive results started trickling in with the bursting of criminal rings and the effective rescue of kidnap victims.
After just a year in office, the results have started pouring in torrents as people have begun to see how Ribadu’s coordination skills and professionalism are bringing succour to many communities in the Northern Nigeria.
For instance the 20 medical students of the University of Maiduguri who were abducted while traveling and others were rescued in no time.
Within the last one month, several communities in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states that have been under siege have been liberated from the killings, abductions and harassment of bandits and terrorists.
Ribadu’s effective coordination of the Army, Airforce, Police , DSS, NSO NSDC, Immigration, Hunters and indigenous non-formal security vanguards has resulted in elimination of non-state militias including notorious terrorists like Halilu Sububu and Buhari Alhaji Halidu otherwise known as “Buharin Yadi” who was notorious for unleashing terror on several communities in Katsina, parts of Niger and Zamfara states.
Another bandit kingpin known as Dangote was also killed in a gun battle while another notorious bandit leader, Boderi Isyaku, responsible for the kidnapping of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation and the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna in 2021 was also neutralized.
The same fate befell Kachalla Dan Chaki
Dogo Gudali, Damina, Baleri, Modi-Modi and others who have made life a living hell for the people of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina were all taken out.
Another terrorist kingpin, Husseini Usman, who was hiding in Ganawuri village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau was arrested while another notorious terrorist leader, Sani Wala Burki was neutralised in a joint operation in Katsina.
The list of those also neutralized include Dogo Rabe who was killed in an Air Force strike; Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga who were killed alongside many of their gang members; Rufai Maikaji, a deadly bandit who commanded over a hundred fighters; and a notorious terrorist known as Ya’u who was known for using sophisticated weapons to terrorise people.
His fellow bandit leader Alhaji Karki was killed while attempting to overrun a military unit in Niger State and another one called Yellow who had been operating several bandit camps in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states, were killed following Nigerian Air force air strikes in Katsina and Zamfara states.
Many have expressed happiness over the victory and have offered to extend cash donations to the troops in appreciation.
Governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Dauda Lawal was so impressed with the defeat of the terrorists that he expressed his gratitude to those who have made it possible.
He said, “I am one of the happiest persons concerning what we are going through in Zamfara State as far as banditry is concerned.”
Clearly, the former anti graft boss has with robust intelligence gathering, quick interventions on life threatening situations and intricate disarmament of criminal groups proven that he is equal to the task of defeating the bandits and terrorists.
This is not surprising as this is not the first time Ribadu is performing excellently at his duty post.
Recall his tenure as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), when due to his approach, the global community began to take Nigeria seriously on its fight against corruption.
The period he was in office was replete with daring tales of thorough investigations of public officials at a scale that was never envisaged in the developing world; arrests and prosecution of high profile and politically exposed suspects that hitherto seemed unimaginable.
As an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Ribadu then only 42, brought an uncommon zeal and commitment to his responsibilities in a manner that was lacking in many government agencies and soon, became the cynosure of all eyes.
As a Lawyer, Ribadu deployed his legal knowledge to spread his dragnet to fish out those suspected to be engaged in financial crimes but were hiding under the cover of “immunity from prosecution” to fleece the country of its resources.
His unblemished records of achievements attracted international attention resulting in the withdrawal of the US Treasury FINCEN Advisory on Nigeria, de-listing it from the FATF list of non-cooperative countries and territories, and its admission into the prestigious Egmont Group and almost single handedly restored a positive image for Nigeria thereby increased investor confidence in the nation’s economy which began to experience a boost.
These wide range of skills and experience have definitely enabled him to navigate the treacherous security labyrinth which require coordinating the efforts of various government agencies involved in national security including the military, intelligence agencies, diplomatic corps, and law enforcement agencies.
While his training as an intelligence police operative, after acquiring a degree and a Masters in Law, has equipped him with deep experience in law enforcement, community engagement, and internal security measures.
As an alumni of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Ribadu, who retired as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), has proven that the cognitive training he received as a police officer to de-escalate situations, work within communities, and focus on prevention and response is an asset to the office of the NSA.
- Yakubu Dati writes from Abuja
