National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that incidents of terrorism, banditry, and communal violence in northern Nigeria have significantly declined over the last two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration compared to the previous government.
Speaking at a two-day interactive session in Kaduna organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Ribadu provided comparative figures to illustrate the progress. “1,192 people were killed and over 3,348 kidnapped in Kaduna State during the previous administration, while more than 5,000 were killed in Benue State within the same period,” he disclosed.
He attributed the noticeable decline in violence to President Tinubu’s directive that security agencies adopt a unified and coordinated approach in tackling insecurity. Ribadu also revealed that ongoing security operations in the North-West have successfully led to the rescue of 11,259 abductees as of May 2025.
Furthermore, he reported the elimination of several top bandit leaders and their armed groups in the volatile states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina.
The NSA praised Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for championing a non-kinetic strategy—focused on dialogue, peacebuilding, and social intervention programs—particularly in conflict-prone areas like Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari.
The conference drew the participation of prominent northern figures, including Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, top security officials, and both current and former northern governors.
Organizers of the event noted that the conference was convened to critically evaluate the Tinubu administration’s performance, especially concerning the socio-economic and security landscape of northern Nigeria.
What You Should Know
At the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s conference in Kaduna, NSA Nuhu Ribadu highlighted a significant decline in killings, kidnappings, and attacks in northern Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.
He credited this improvement to a unified security strategy and praised Kaduna’s non-violent conflict resolution efforts. With over 11,000 hostages rescued and several bandit leaders neutralized, the Tinubu administration is positioning itself as responsive to the region’s security concerns.
The gathering of northern leaders at the conference underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny and collaboration to ensure the region’s peace, development, and alignment with national progress.
